CAROLYN CHURCHILL January 10 2009
The resolution was passed on Thursday night with 14 out of 15 council members voting in favour. US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said that although the US "fully supports" the resolution, it was abstaining "to see the outcomes of the Egyptian mediation" with Israel and Hamas.
A Hamas spokesman said the Islamic militant group "is not interested" in the ceasefire because it was not consulted and the resolution did not meet its minimum demands. He said the UN had failed to consider the interests of the Palestinian people. The group said it had sent three of its leaders from Gaza to Cairo to discuss a separate Egyptian ceasefire proposal.
As Hamas attacks continued yesterday, Mr Olmert's cabinet was also due to resume discussions on whether to launch a massive escalation of the offensive, calling up reservists.
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