The United Nations Security Council meets to consider a resolution calling for a ceasefire during the conflict between Israel and Hamas, at UN headquarters in New York City on March 22, 2024. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Russia and China vetoed, while the UK abstained from voting. The US-led draft stated the "imperative" for “an immediate and sustained ceasefire to protect civilians on all sides”, facilitating “essential” aid delivery and supporting ongoing talks between Israel and Hamas militants to create a sustainable end to the hostilities, tied to the release of hostages.

Russian Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia called the US draft resolution unconvincing as Washington was only using the word "imperative" in its resolution. "This is not enough" and the Council must "demand a ceasefire", he declared.

Also on Friday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv and met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who doubled down on pursuing a major ground offensive in Rafah to defeat Hamas forces, adding that a military operation there is inevitable. He said Israel "will do it alone” if necessary. 

In response, Blinken continued to reiterate his previous warning that launching a ground attack on Rafah would "risks further isolating Israel around the world and jeopardizing its long-term security and standing." He also warned that if Israel does not come up with a plan for the “day after” Hamas, it will be stuck in Gaza for years. 

The same day, Israeli forces said they detained hundreds of Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters including a number of security officials and military commanders during their extended raid into Gaza’s main hospital, the military’s main spokespersThe Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it carried out airstrikes on buildings used by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon’s Khiam, Ayta ash-Shab and Taybeh a short while ago. A few hours before the strikes, IDF artillery also destroyed positions used by Hezbollah to launch rocket attacks into the Metula area in Northern Israel.