UN Security Council vote on new Gaza ceasefire postponed till March 25

Another UN Resolution Calling for , Gaza Cease-Fire Fails , to Pass Security Council Vote. On March 22, a resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza was rejected by the United Nations Security Council. . On March 22, a resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza was rejected by the United Nations Security Council. . NBC reports that both Russia and China voted against the United States-led measure. . Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s ambassador to the U.N., pointed out that the resolution effectively contained a green light for Israel to conduct a military operation in Rafah. Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s ambassador to the U.N., pointed out that the resolution effectively contained a green light for Israel to conduct a military operation in Rafah. The vote came as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Israel for talks centered on humanitarian aid and the looming assault on the city of Rafah. The vote came as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Israel for talks centered on humanitarian aid and the looming assault on the city of Rafah. The U.S. has called a cease-fire crucial for protecting civilians and expanding aid distribution as over 2 million Palestinians face the threat of famine. NBC reports that the failed resolution contained no direct link to the release of hostages taken by Hamas during the group's October 7 attack on Israel. The resolution did reportedly support diplomatic efforts "to secure such a cease-fire in connection with the release of all remaining hostages.". According to Israel, 130 hostages remain in Gaza, while another 34 have already died in captivity. Three previous attempts at a resolution were vetoed by the U.S. in October, December and February. The failed fourth resolution came after the U.N.'s Integrated Food Security Phase Classification initiative warned that "famine is imminent" in Gaza. . The initiative also warned that escalation of the war could push half of Gaza's entire population to the edge of starvation.

Hamas said on Monday it welcomed a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and that it stood ready to engage in an immediate swap of...