Several inconclusive rounds of talks took place in recent months, and international mediators attempted to broker a Ramadan ceasefire but to no avail.
Last week, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The motion was sponsored by the 10 non-permanent members of the UNSC. Fourteen countries voted in favor, while the United States abstained.
US envoy Linda Thomas-Greenfield opined that the resolution was "non-binding," which prompted Russia's envoy, Vassily Nebenzia, to remind his US counterpart that all UNSC resolutions were binding under international law and that he regretted that she "has not read the UN Charter." China's envoy, Geng Shuang, pointed out that the US, as a permanent member of the Security Council, should lead by example in demonstrating commitment to implementing the UN Charter.
On Thursday, the International Court of Justice said that Israel must ensure the unhindered access of humanitarian aid and all necessary services to the Gaza Strip. The next day, media reported that Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant offered the US to form a multinational military unit with Arab troops to ensure the protection of humanitarian supplies during a transitional period.