UN Security Council to meet again on Israel-Hamas war — report

The United Nations Security Council plans to meet on Monday to discuss the war between Israel and Hamas, Reuters reports, citing unnamed diplomats and without elaborating.

On Friday, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, which made no mention of Hamas, by an overwhelming majority, drawing praise from the Islamist terror group and condemnation from Israel.

The resolution called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all civilians, the protection of civilians and international institutions, and ensuring the safe passage of humanitarian aid into the Strip.

The initiative was nonbinding but highlighted the overwhelming international support for the Palestinians amid Israel’s military campaign in response to the October 7 Hamas onslaught.

Israel has rejected calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, saying that it is committed to toppling Hamas to prevent another mass assault like the one that took place three weeks ago.

Last week, the US vetoed a UN Security Council resolution put forth by Brazil calling for a “humanitarian pause” in the war because the text did not include respect for Israel’s right to defend itself.

Russia and China then vetoed a resolution drafted by the US that would have reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defense, urged respect for international laws — especially protection of civilians — and called for “humanitarian pauses” to deliver desperately needed aid to Gaza.