UN Security Council passes resolution demanding Gaza ceasefire – as US abstains

The United Nations Security Council has passed a resolution that demands a ceasefire in Gaza for the rest of Ramadan. The Muslim holy month began on 10 March and is set to finish on 9 April – meaning the council is calling for a two-week truce, though the proposal said the pause in fighting should lead “to a permanent sustainable ceasefire”. The US abstained from the vote, with the 14 other council members – including Russia, China and the UK – voting in favour. The resolution also demanded the immediate, unconditional release of all hostages – not linked to a…