US Proposes Draft Resolution for Temporary Ceasefire in Gaza
In a significant development, the United States has proposed a draft resolution at the UN Security Council, urging for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza. This move comes as the US warns Israel against invading the overcrowded city of Rafah. While the US has previously avoided using the term “ceasefire” during UN votes on the war, President Joe Biden’s recent comments indicate a shift in their stance.
The US plans to veto another draft resolution put forth by Algeria, which calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. This decision has raised concerns among many who believe that an immediate ceasefire is crucial to address the dire situation in Gaza. Over a million displaced Palestinians, accounting for approximately half of Gaza’s population, have sought shelter in Rafah. The city, which shares its border with Egypt, was originally home to only 250,000 people before the war broke out.
The living conditions in Rafah are deplorable, with many of the displaced individuals residing in makeshift shelters or tents. Access to safe drinking water and food is scarce, exacerbating the already dire circumstances. The UN has issued a warning, expressing concerns that an Israeli offensive in the city could result in a “slaughter.” Israel initiated its operations in Gaza following an attack by Hamas gunmen on southern Israel, resulting in numerous casualties and hostages.
The Israeli military campaign has caused immense devastation in the Palestinian territory, with a reported death toll of 29,000 people according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The international community has exerted immense pressure on the United States to use its influence to rein in Israel’s actions. While the US has vowed to block the Algerian draft resolution, their own proposal does express opposition to Israel’s plans.
Discussions on the US draft resolution are set to begin this week, although it remains uncertain when or if the proposal will be put to a vote. According to the UN charter, Security Council members are obligated to accept and carry out decisions made by the council. This is in contrast to decisions made at the General Assembly, which are non-binding. It is noteworthy that this is the first time the US has called for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza at the UN, having previously vetoed resolutions that included the term.
The US draft resolution also highlights the potential harm to civilians and their further displacement if a major ground offensive were to occur in Rafah. It specifically mentions the possibility of displacement into neighboring countries, such as Egypt. Additionally, it emphasizes that such a move would have severe implications for regional peace and security.
President Joe Biden’s conversations with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week echo the sentiments expressed in the draft resolution. However, Netanyahu has thus far resisted international pressure to reconsider the plan, vowing to rescue remaining hostages and defeat Hamas throughout Gaza. Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s war cabinet, has warned that a military maneuver will be launched unless Hamas releases all its hostages by March 10th, coinciding with the start of Ramadan.
The Arab group of nations has emphasized that the Security Council cannot ignore the pleas of the international community demanding a ceasefire. The situation in Gaza remains a critical concern for the Middle East, with ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The proposed draft resolution serves as a crucial step towards addressing the urgent need for a temporary ceasefire and finding a path towards lasting peace in the region.
