The UN Security Council has passed a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, deepening Israel's isolation on the world stage.

In a shift from its previous position, the US did not veto the motion while the UK voted in favour.

It is the first such demand for a halt to violence since October 7, delivering a stark rebuke to Israel's onslaught on Gaza.

The council is calling for an initial two-week truce, with the proposed pause in fighting intended as a stepping stone "to a permanent sustainable ceasefire."

The resolution "demands an immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan respected by all parties leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefire, and also demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages."

The US abstained while the other 14 UN Security Council members, including the UK, voted in favour of the resolution, prompting applause to erupt in the chamber.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres took to social media to insist the resolution "must be implemented."

"The Security Council just approved a long-awaited resolution on Gaza, demanding an immediate ceasefire, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages," Guterres wrote on social media platform X. "This resolution must be implemented. Failure would be unforgivable."

The Palestinian UN representative Riyad Mansour welcomed the Security Council resolution but said it was long overdue.

"It has taken six months, over 100,000 Palestinians killed and maimed, two million displaced, and famine, for this council to finally demand an immediate ceasefire," Mr Mansour said.

After the vote, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who cancelled a planned US delegation visit, accused the US of "withdrawing from its consistent position" by abstaining.