The US Proposes Temporary Ceasefire in Gaza
The US introduces a draft resolution at the UN Security Council
The United States has put forward a draft resolution at the UN Security Council, proposing a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The resolution comes as a response to the escalating conflict in the region. BBC News reporters, Nada Tawfik and James FitzGerald, provide an update on the situation from New York and London.
Efforts to prevent an invasion of Rafah
The draft resolution also includes a warning to Israel, cautioning against an invasion of the overcrowded city of Rafah. The US has previously refrained from using the term “ceasefire” in UN votes on the conflict. However, President Joe Biden’s recent comments indicate a shift in the country’s approach.
US to veto another draft resolution
While the US plans to propose its own draft resolution, it intends to veto a resolution put forward by Algeria. Algeria’s proposal calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. The US, in its rival text, openly opposes Israel’s plans.
Situation in Rafah
As the conflict worsens, over a million displaced Palestinians have sought refuge in Rafah, which now accommodates about half of Gaza’s population. Prior to the war, Rafah’s population stood at only 250,000. The displaced people are living in deplorable conditions, with limited access to clean water and food, in makeshift shelters and tents.
UN warning and casualties
The UN has warned about the potential for a “slaughter” if Israel proceeds with a planned offensive in Rafah. The military campaign by Israel in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of 29,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The international community is urging the US to intervene and use its influence to stop the devastating operations.
US draft emphasizes prioritizing civilians
The US draft resolution emphasizes the potential harm to civilians and their displacement if a major ground offensive were to take place in Rafah. It mentions the possibility of the displaced people seeking refuge in neighboring countries, particularly Egypt, which would have significant implications for regional peace and security.
Calls for a temporary ceasefire before further action
The draft resolution calls for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza as soon as possible, echoing President Joe Biden’s conversations with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, Netanyahu remains resistant to international pressure, vowing to continue his offensive and rescue the remaining hostages while Hamas still holds them.
Deadline and international pressure
Israeli war cabinet member, Benny Gantz, has set a deadline of 10 March for Hamas to release all hostages, citing the start of Ramadan as a target. The Arab group of nations is urging the Security Council to heed the international community’s demands for a ceasefire and take action.
As talks continue, it remains unclear when or if the draft resolution will be put to a vote. It is worth noting that any resolutions passed by the UN are not legally binding.
Whether the draft resolution will lead to a temporary ceasefire and provide some relief for the inhabitants of Gaza is yet to be seen. As tensions escalate and the humanitarian crisis worsens, international pressure continues to mount as the world awaits a potential resolution to this devastating conflict.
