UNITED NATIONS: France has called for efforts towards achieving a permanent ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian resistance group Hamas following the United Nations Security Council’s demand for a truce during the ongoing holy month of Ramadan.
France’s UN representative, Nicolas de Riviere, emphasized the need for continued engagement, stating, “This crisis is not over. Our council will have to remain mobilized and immediately get back to work. After Ramadan, which ends in two weeks, it will have to establish a permanent ceasefire.”
The call for a ceasefire comes after the UN Security Council voted for a truce, with the United States abstaining from the vote. US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, asserted that the ceasefire could only commence once Hamas begins releasing hostages it still holds.
The White House clarified that the US abstention does not indicate a change in policy, with National Security Council spokesman John Kirby emphasizing consistent support for a ceasefire. Kirby stated that the decision to abstain was due to the resolution’s failure to condemn Hamas.
Meanwhile, Israel canceled a planned delegation’s visit to Washington, DC, expressing disappointment over the US abstention. However, a separate visit by Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to meet with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is proceeding as planned.
The talks between Austin and Gallant will focus on efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, the need for humanitarian aid distribution, and plans to ensure the safety of civilians in Rafah.
