News
Israel cancels Washington visit as U.S. abstains from cease-fire resolution
The United Nations Security Council has passed a resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, a move that prompted Israel to cancel high-level meetings with the Biden administration.
U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield abstained during the vote at the United Nations in New York on Monday, allowing the resolution to pass.
This decision by the U.S. angered Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, which had intended to send top officials to Washington to discuss plans for a potential ground invasion of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.
The resolution, which was approved by the Security Council, emphasizes the urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian assistance to and reinforce the protection of civilians in the entire Gaza Strip.
U.S. President Joe Biden attends a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as he visits Israel amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, October 18, 2023. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
Humanitarian assistance
It also reiterates the demand for the lifting of all barriers to the provision of humanitarian assistance at scale.
The U.S. abstention on the resolution represents a significant departure from its previous stance, where it had used its veto power to shield its ally Israel in similar situations.
The decision reflects growing global pressure for a truce in the ongoing conflict, which has claimed numerous lives and caused immense suffering, particularly among civilians in Gaza.
While the U.S. said that there was no policy change despite the abstention, Israeli officials expressed frustration and disappointment with the move.
READ MORE: G7 leaders pledge peace
Netanyahu’s government viewed the U.S. decision as a “clear retreat” from its previous position and believed it would undermine efforts to combat Hamas in Gaza and to secure the release of hostages held by the militant group.
The cancellation of the planned high-level meetings between Israel and the Biden administration underscores the diplomatic fallout from the U.N. resolution and the broader tensions surrounding the conflict in Gaza.
A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister crashed on Sunday as it was crossing mountain terrain in heavy fog.
The official said the lives of Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian were “at risk following the helicopter crash”, which happened on the way back from a visit to the border with Azerbaijan in Iran’s northwest.
“We are still hopeful but information coming from the crash site is very concerning,” the official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.
State TV quoted an official as saying at least one passenger and one crew member had been in contact with rescuers. It also said the helicopter had been found, though Iran’s Red Crescent denied this report.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who holds ultimate power with a final say on foreign policy and Iran’s nuclear programme, sought to reassure Iranians, saying there would be no disruption to state affairs. #iran #trending
Australia’s multimillion-dollar campaign to attract Hollywood productions to its shores appears to be paying off.
The allure of Australia lies not only in its picturesque locations but also in its competitive financial incentives.
The government offers generous rebates and tax breaks to international productions, making it an attractive proposition for filmmakers looking to maximise their budgets.
Despite the recent intake of Hollywood productions down under such as ‘The Fall Guy’ and ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’, Aussie independents are still finding the space to carve their own creative path.
Rob Fantozzi joined the program to discuss the latest in Hollywood, and showcased his own upcoming project – ‘Omerta‘. #featured
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