In a vote on Monday, the council urged a ceasefire for the rest of the month of Ramadan - which ends in two weeks.

South Africa's Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor in a statement said her country was "pleased" with the resolution but called for a "lasting sustainable ceasefire".

"It is now the responsibility of the United Nations Security Council to ensure that there is compliance with the resolution, which is binding on the parties," Ms Pandor added.

The resolution, which also called for the release of all hostages, followed several failed attempts at similar measures since the 7 October attacks.

It is the first time the council has called for a ceasefire since the war began.

The US abstained in the vote, while the remaining 14 members voted in favour.