UN Security Council approves Gaza cease-fire resolution

The U.N. Security Council approved a U.S. resolution for a Gaza cease-fire and hostage release on Monday, voting 14 to 0, with Russia abstaining, in favor of the measure.

The resolution marks the latest international pressure tactic to get Hamas and Israel to agree on a path to end the fighting. The proposal in the resolution matches the three-phase deal that President Joe Biden announced May 31.

The measure calls on Hamas to accept that deal. Israel has previously agreed to the pact — though it has also put conditions around when it can be instituted, saying that it would not agree to a permanent cease-fire until certain conditions, including the destruction of Hamas' military capabilities, are met.

"We need Hamas to agree to the cease-fire deal, and then we need Israel and Hamas to implement the deal without delays or conditions," U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield said ahead of the vote.

The cease-fire proposal includes three phases. The first, six-week phase would include a complete cease-fire, release of some hostages, prisoner exchange and allow Palestinian civilians to return to their homes in addition to humanitarian aid. The cease-fire would continue as long as negotiations for the first phase continue.

The second phase includes a release of all other hostages in Gaza and a full withdrawal of Israel forces, followed by the third phase of a Gaza reconstruction plan and the return of the remains of any deceased hostages still in Gaza.

The resolution also reiterates a commitment to a two-state solution.

The Biden administration has been feeling pressure on its support for Israel as numerous officials have resigned over its Israel policy in recent months. Meanwhile, progress on a cease-fire and hostage deal were imperiled by Israel’s dramatic rescue of four hostages over the weekend that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians.

Perhaps in a sign of the Biden administration’s skepticism that a deal between Israel and Hamas can be reached — it is also considering a deal directly with Hamas to free U.S. hostages, NBC reported.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken downplayed those talks Monday, telling reporters that the most effective way to bring American hostages home “is through the proposal that’s on the table.”

The U.S. has been increasingly isolated on the world stage after it previously vetoed three Gaza cease-fire resolutions before the U.N. Security Council. In March, the U.S. abstained in a vote on another cease-fire resolution, which prompted increased tensions with its ally Israel.

Thomas-Greenfield argued that this resolution is the one that can make a difference in the crisis.

"The cease-fire deal would pave the way toward an enduring cessation of hostilities and a better future for all," she said after the vote. "This is an opportunity to chart a different course."