UN Security Council for first time demands 'immediate' Gaza ceasefire, US abstains

The U.N. Security Council for the first time on Monday demanded a ceasefire in Gaza, with the United States, Israel's ally which has vetoed previous bids, abstaining.

The resolution, which demands an "immediate ceasefire" for the ongoing Muslim holy month of Ramadan that leads to a "lasting" truce, went through, with all other 14 Security Council members voting yes.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Monday the U.S. abstention on the ceasefire call hurt Israel's fight against Hamas and the effort to release hostages held in the territory.

"It gives Hamas hope that international pressure will allow them to accept a ceasefire without the release of our abductees," Netanyahu said, cancelling the departure of a delegation set to leave for consultations in Washington.

The U.S. meanwhile said that its abstention from the vote does not signal a change in Washington's policy.

It does not represent a "shift in our policy," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told journalists, saying the U.S. backs a ceasefire but abstained because the resolution did not condemn Hamas.