News Brief
US 'Perplexed, Disappointed' After Israeli Delegation Cancels Washington Visit Over UN Vote On Gaza Ceasefire
US President Joe Biden.
The United States on Monday (25 March) said that it was "perplexed" and "disappointed" by the cancelation of an Israeli delegation's planned visit to discuss US concerns over a possible offensive in southern Gaza.
The cancellation followed the US' decision to abstain from voting on a UN Security Council resolution calling for an "immediate ceasefire" in Gaza.
This abstention was interpreted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office as undermining Israel's fight against Hamas.
"We're kind of perplexed" by the cancellation, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told journalists, saying it "seems like the (Israeli) prime minister's office is choosing to create a perception of daylight here when they don't need to".
Kirby had earlier said Washington was "very disappointed" the delegation would not be visiting, and that the Security Council abstention "does not represent a shift" in US policy, NDTV reported.
"We've been consistent in our support (for) a ceasefire as part of a hostage deal," he said, referring to efforts to free the roughly 130 people still believed to be held in Gaza after they were seized in a shock Hamas attack on 7 October.
The cancellation of the Israeli delegation's trip does not affect another scheduled visit by Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who will engage in talks with US officials, including National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
These discussions will focus on the hostage situation, humanitarian aid for Palestinians, and strategies to protect civilians and address the threat posed by Hamas.
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