By Farnaz Fasshi and Aaron Boxerman
The U.N. Security Council on Monday passed a resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in the Gaza Strip for the month of Ramadan, breaking a five-month impasse during which the U.S. vetoed several calls for ending the war, even as the humanitarian toll climbed higher.
The resolution passed with 14 votes in favor. The U.S. abstained, allowing the resolution to pass. The chamber broke into applause after the vote.
The breakthrough resolution, which is legally binding and was put forth by the 10 nonpermanent members of the council, was negotiated intensely until the last minute. The U.S. asked for a change in the text that removed “permanent cease-fire” and replaced it with “lasting cease-fire,” according to diplomats, language that would leave room for Israel to defend itself and called for both sides to create conditions where the halt in fighting could be sustained.