In a move that has drawn criticism from Israel's government, the Biden administration chose to abstain from vetoing a United Nations Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. The resolution, which was passed with a 14-0 vote, did not condition the pause on the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Israel reacted strongly to the UN's resolution, recalling its negotiators from Qatar and dismissing Hamas' demands for the release of hostages as "delusional." The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu's office, stated that Hamas's refusal to negotiate and the UN Security Council's resolution only reinforced the damage caused by it. Israel remains firm in its stance of pursuing its objectives, which include the destruction of Hamas's military and governmental capacities, the release of all hostages, and ensuring that Gaza does not pose a future threat to Israel.

The abstention of the US, one of the five permanent members of the Security Council with veto power, has raised eyebrows and prompted Israel to question the consistency of the Biden administration's position. This decision allowed the resolution to pass, much to the disappointment of Israeli officials.

Hamas, emboldened by the UN's call for a cease-fire, has demanded a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes, and an exchange of Palestinian prisoners for the hostages still believed to be in Gaza. Israel remains resolute in rejecting these demands.

Due to the Security Council vote, Netanyahu canceled a planned delegation visit to Washington to address differences over a potential ground invasion in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza. Netanyahu's office criticized the Biden administration, labeling the abstention as a "clear retreat" from the US's consistent position in the Security Council since the beginning of the war.

In the midst of these developments, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant proceeded with his scheduled meetings with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. Austin expressed concern over the high number of civilian casualties in Gaza and the inadequate humanitarian aid being provided. The US continues to urge Israel to find alternatives to a full-scale military operation that could put innocent lives at risk.

Israel has rejected allegations of indiscriminate targeting of civilians, stating that their ratio of two civilian deaths for every Hamas terrorist killed is "highly positive" given the challenges of fighting in densely populated areas.

The Biden administration has also increased pressure on Netanyahu to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinians. However, there are concerns that much of the aid ends up in the hands of Hamas, rather than reaching those most in need.

Both Israeli and US officials have indicated that ongoing conversations will take place in the coming days and weeks to explore more ideas and discuss planning.

In a politically charged situation, President Biden has faced criticism from progressive voices within his own party. Over 100,000 Democratic voters in Michigan's primary expressed their discontent with Biden's refusal to call for a cease-fire in the Middle East.

Furthermore, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called for new elections in Israel and described Netanyahu as an "obstacle" to peace, prompting further debate and tension between the US and Israel.

The US abstention on the UN resolution has also sparked backlash from Republican lawmakers, with Senator Tom Cotton condemning it as "deeply offensive and strategically stupid." Senator Lindsey Graham voiced his support for Israel in a meeting with Netanyahu, reaffirming that the US stands firmly behind the Jewish state.

As the situation continues to unfold, both Israel and the US confront the complex challenges of reaching a lasting solution and providing humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict.