Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cancelled his visit to the White House after the US refused to block UN calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Netanyahu appeared to get frustrated after the UN’s Security Council passed a resolution calling for an ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas since October 7.
The US, as a permanent member of the UN’s Security Council, could have vetoed the resolution for a fourth time.
However, Washington’s decision to abstain prompted the Israeli Prime Minister to cancel this week’s delegation to the US.
Joe Biden (left) and Benjamin Netanyahu (right)
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He planned to discuss Israeli military plans in the Strip’s southern city of Rafah.
Netanyahu labelled Washington’s decision not to veto the resolution as a “clear retreat” from its previous position.
The Israeli Prime Minister also warned the decision would hamper efforts against Hamas.
He said: “Regrettably, the United States did not veto the new resolution, which calls for a ceasefire that is not contingent on the release of hostages.”
Netanyahu added: “This constitutes a clear departure from the consistent US position in the Security council since the beginning of the war.”
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An Israeli soldier operates amid conflict between Israel and Hamas in GazaREUTERSThe Israeli Prime Minister also warned the decision would hamper efforts against Hamas.
He said: “Regrettably, the United States did not veto the new resolution, which calls for a ceasefire that is not contingent on the release of hostages.”
Netanyahu added: “This constitutes a clear departure from the consistent US position in the Security council since the beginning of the war.”
The White House rejected the suggestion that yesterday’s abstention reflected a change in US policy.
National Security spokesman John Kirby described Netanyahu’s decision to cancel his scheduled trip as “disappointing”.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
REUTERSHe added: “We’re very disappointed that they will not be coming to Washington DC to allow us to have a fulsome conversation with them about viable alternatives to going in on the ground in Rafah.”
British Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron was questioned by four Tory MPs about the decision during a backbench 1922 Committee meeting.
Ex-Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers was “alarmed” by the UK’s decision.
The UK decided to abstain in a similar vote held in December last year.
Lord Cameron defended the previous abstention as it showed the UK supported Israel’s “inherent right” to self-defence.
However, Downing Street said the latest resolution sent a clear message that hostages held by Hamas should be released to allow aid to enter the Strip.
Lord David Cameron came under pressure over the resolution
REUTERSA spokesman added: “We have long called for an immediate humanitarian pause or temporary ceasefire leading to a sustainable ceasefire, which is what this resolution calls for, and that is why the UK voted in favour of it.
“We of course recognise that Israel continues to deal with the aftermath of the brutal attacks on 7 October and innocent hostages continue to be held by Hamas.
“Israel has a right to defend itself and ensure that such an attack can never happen again.
“But far too many Palestinian civilians are also being killed and a humanitarian catastrophe is a clear and present risk.
“This resolution sends a clear message on the need for all hostages to be released and for aid to be scaled up.”
Hamas welcomed the resolution and suggested it could enter prisoner exchange talks brokered by Qatar.
In a statement posted on social media, the proscribed terror group said a pause in fighting was needed to “bury our martyrs who have remained under the rubble for months”.