UN Security Council suspends Gaza debate, to hear from UN chief about cease-fire

UNITED NATIONS – With a cease-fire announced in the Gaza crisis, the Security Council suspended a formal open debate that had been scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.

The council has been silent since Israel launched air raids on Hamas in Gaza, responding to months of Hamas rocket fire into Israel.

Arab nations on Tuesday had called for an open debate if a cease-fire was not arranged.

Instead, the council will hold closed consultations, then hear a report by videoconference from Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who has been talking with leaders in the Middle East on the crisis.