The U.N. Security Council's resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza has put U.S.-Israel relations at a wartime low, with Benjamin Netanyahu cancelling an Israeli delegation's visit to Washington immediately after the vote. The US strayed from its longtime policy of shielding Israel at the world body, choosing not to veto a text that calls for a temporary end to fighting in the Palestinian enclave.

Washington

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The United Nations Security Council recently passed a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. This action has significantly strained the relationship between the United States and Israel, bringing it to a notable low point during this period of conflict. Following the vote, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a decisive move by canceling a scheduled visit by an Israeli delegation to Washington, signaling a direct response to the developments at the UN.

Traditionally, the United States has been known for its policy of protecting Israel’s interests within the UN by utilizing its veto power against resolutions that could be seen as unfavorable to Israel. However, in this instance, the US broke from its long-established practice. By choosing not to veto the Security Council’s resolution, which specifically calls for a temporary halt to the hostilities in the Gaza Strip, the US demonstrated a shift in its approach towards Israel and the ongoing conflict in the region.



U.N. ceasefire resolution sees Israel-U.S. rift deepen

Two historic allies seemingly caught in a deepening rift. For the first time since the war began, Washington chose not to veto a U.N. resolution that calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, a red line for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who immediately scrapped an Israeli delegation's visit to Washington this week. This constitutes a clear departure from the consistent U.S. position in the Security Council since the beginning of the war. The resolution demands Hamas and other militants free hostages from Gaza, but Israel took issue with the fact the text does not directly link a release to the ceasefire. The U.S. says it abstained from the vote because the text did not condemn Hamas for the October 7 attacks, though it did support ongoing diplomatic efforts. American officials later played down the abstention, pointing out that the resolution was non-binding and suggested Netanyahu was trying to manufacture a crisis in U.S.-Israel ties. We're kind of perplexed by this. It seems like the Prime Minister's office is choosing to create a perception of daylight here when they don't need to do that. So again, no change in our policy. While it denies any policy shift, the U.S. has taken an increasingly tougher line in recent weeks. Biden has called Israel's fighting, quote, over the top and has appeared to lose patience in repeatedly urging Israel to let more humanitarian aid into the Strip. Despite the scrapping of the Israeli delegation's visit, Defense Minister Yoav Galant held talks with U.S. officials in Washington Monday. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated opposition to a rougher ground offensive, noting there were alternatives. Galant will meet with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Tuesday and is expected to ask for more American weaponry to support its war effort.

Russia has launched more than 70 missiles and drones in one of its largest barrages against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
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Kyiv

Ukraine Invasion

Russia targets Ukraine energy infrastructure in barrage of attacks

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Israel-Gaza War

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Cape York

Asylum seekers arrive on boat from PNG

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Brussels

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State of Rio Grande do Sul

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San Diego

Parents of Australian brothers open up on heartbreak

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Adult film star Stormy Daniels took the stand in Donald Trump’s hush money trial, outlining the salacious details of her alleged sexual encounter with the former U.S. president and the payments she says she received for her silence.

New York

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Millions of people have cast their ballots in India’s third of a seven-phase general election. It took place in eleven states and union territories. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking a third term, cast his vote in Ahmedabad.

Gujarat

Millions vote in third phase of India's national elections

Ukraine says it thwarted a Russian plot to assassinate senior Ukrainian political and military figures, including President Volodymyr Zelensky. Two Ukrainian security officials were arrested for their links to Russia's Federal Security Service, which had aimed to carry out high-profile killings ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin's inauguration.

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Beijing

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President Vladimir Putin has ordered the Russian military to hold nuclear weapons drills involving the navy and troops based near Ukraine, the defence ministry said Monday.

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Australian and Chinese relations are strained following an incident involving military forces from both countries. During a routine operation in the Yellow Sea, within international waters, an Australian helicopter faced an aggressive manoeuver by a Chinese military jet.

Council of the City of Sydney

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Baja California

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Seoul

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Jerusalem

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Chinese President Xi Jinping awoke in Paris on Monday on his first visit to the region in five years, with trade and Russia's war with Ukraine on the agenda in talks with France's Emmanuel Macron and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen.

Paris

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Israel has ordered civilians in Rafah to move towards Khan Younis, in the clearest sign yet that a military operation is imminent. A ceasefire in Gaza looks as distant as ever with Hamas refusing to lay down arms unless there is a complete cessation of the war. Meanwhile, Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would go it alone if necessary, even in the face of criticism from its Western allies.

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Penrith

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While several pro-Palestinian campus protests in the U.S. were dismantled over the weekend, others became more disruptive and interrupted at least one graduation ceremony.

Chicago

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Prospects for a Gaza ceasefire appeared slim as Hamas reiterated its demand for an end to the war in exchange for the freeing of hostages, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flatly ruled that out.

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