Iran has celebrated the UN's resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza amid the war waged by Iran-backed militant group, Hamas.

"The resolution for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, finally approved by the United Nations Security Council, signifies a crucial step towards ending the suffering of innocent civilians," reported state news agency, IRNA after an overwhelming 14 out of 15 Security Council members voted in favor of the resolution.

"The decisive action by the Security Council reflects the international community's commitment to peace and stability in Gaza,” added IRNA.

After vetoing three similar ceasefire resolutions in the past, Washington chose to abstain this time, enabling the resolution to pass without objection from permanent Security Council members, dealing a blow to its ally, Israel. 

Hamas invaded Gaza on October 7, killing 1,200 mostly civilians and kidnapping over 250 more. It led to a relentless retaliation by Israel in a bid to wipe out Hamas and bring back the hostages. Until now, the US has supported Israel's right to defend itself, but pressure on the Biden government has grown in the wake of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The Tasnim news agency, affiliated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), emphasized the shift in US policy, hailing the US's decision not to veto the ceasefire resolution and expressed satisfaction over Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's protest against the Biden administration by canceling an Israeli delegation's trip to Washington.

The US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, explained the US position, stating that while the latest resolution incorporated edits requested by the US, it still fell short of complete alignment with US priorities. "Any ceasefire must be coupled with the release of all hostages,” she stressed.