U.N. Passes Gaza Cease-Fire Resolution as Blinken Presses Israel and Hamas
The United Nations Security Council on Friday passed a resolution calling for a cease-fire in the Gaza conflict, as Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Israeli and Palestinian leaders and urged an end to the violence.
The resolution, which was approved by a vote of 14 to 0, with the United States abstaining, called for a “permanent cease-fire” and the “de-escalation of tensions” in the Gaza Strip. It also called for “unimpeded and sustained access” for humanitarian aid to the territory, which has been under a blockade by Israel for more than a decade.
The resolution was drafted by Norway and Tunisia, and it was the first time in years that the United States did not use its veto power to block a resolution on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“The United States abstained from today’s vote because we believe it advances the prospects for peace,” a State Department spokesman said in a statement. “We will continue to work with our partners to de-escalate the situation, support regional diplomatic efforts, and address the underlying issues that gave rise to this conflict.”
Mr. Blinken spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, and he urged him to accept the cease-fire, according to a senior State Department official. Mr. Blinken also spoke with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and urged him to condemn rocket attacks on Israel, the official said.
The official said Mr. Blinken also spoke with the foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan and Qatar, who are playing key roles in the diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
The violence in Gaza began on May 10, when clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police in Jerusalem escalated into widespread fighting. More than 200 Palestinians, including 60 children, have been killed in the fighting, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. At least 10 people in Israel have also been killed, including two children.