UN Security Council calls for ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan

The United Nations Security Council on Monday called for a ceasefire in Gaza during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the first time the council has called for a halt to fighting.

The United States abstained from voting on the resolution, which also called for the release of all hostages held by Hamas during a surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7. But the measure does not link the demand to the ceasefire during Ramzan, which ended on April 9.

The vote came after Russia and China on Friday vetoed a U.S.-sponsored resolution that would have supported an “immediate and sustained ceasefire” in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The United States warned that Monday’s resolution could undermine talks between the United States, Egypt and Qatar to cease hostilities, raising the prospect of another U.S. veto.