UN votes to stop Israeli settlements as US abstains

NEW YORK (AA) – The US on Friday abstained and did not veto a unanimous UN Security Council resolution that demands Israel stop settlement activities on Palestinian territories.

The U.S.’s move was a break from Washington's long-standing policy of supporting Israel at the UN.

In the past, the U.S. has used its veto power on the issue, however, the Obama administration's decision not to veto the resolution was a first regarding a measure involving Israel and Palestine.