US Proposes UN Security Council Resolution for Temporary Ceasefire in Gaza
The United States has put forward a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council, urging a temporary ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The resolution also warns against an Israeli ground incursion into Rafah, a city where hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians have sought refuge.
The US proposal comes after it had previously pledged to veto an Algerian draft resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire. The Security Council is set to vote on the Algerian draft on Tuesday morning.
The US-proposed draft, which CNN has obtained, calls for a “temporary ceasefire in Gaza as soon as practicable.” However, this falls short of the desires of most other Security Council members who are pushing for an immediate ceasefire.
Traditionally, the US has shielded its ally Israel from UN actions and has consistently resisted calls for a ceasefire. The US has emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense following Hamas’ terror attack on October 7. It has also voted against at least two Security Council resolutions related to the conflict.
A senior US official stated that they do not plan to rush the vote and do not believe urgent action is necessary. Instead, the US intends to intensify negotiations on the ground.
President Joe Biden has been engaged in extensive conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, conveying his position that a temporary ceasefire is crucial to secure the safe release of hostages still held by Hamas.
The US draft resolution also highlights the potential consequences of an Israeli ground offensive into Rafah. It warns that such an incursion would lead to further harm to civilians, their displacement, and potentially spill over into neighboring countries, posing significant threats to regional peace and security.
Despite international pressure, Israel has expressed its intention to expand its ground operations into Rafah as part of its objective to dismantle Hamas following the October 7 attacks. Concerns have been raised that military action in the refugee tent city could trigger an exodus and result in the deaths of thousands of civilians.
The Biden administration has become increasingly vocal about its concerns regarding Israel’s conduct in the war. Last week, Biden advised Netanyahu that the military action “should not proceed,” according to a readout of their call.
The US draft resolution also calls for the release of Israeli hostages. It will be privately discussed on Tuesday, although it remains unclear when it will be put to a vote. To pass, the resolution will require more than nine votes in favor and no vetoes from the permanent members of the Security Council.
In conclusion, the United States has proposed a draft resolution to the UN Security Council, advocating for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza and cautioning against an Israeli ground offensive in Rafah. While the US falls short of the immediate ceasefire demanded by other Security Council members, it is intensifying negotiations on the ground. The resolution also emphasizes the potential harm to civilians and regional peace if an incursion into Rafah occurs. The Biden administration has been increasingly vocal about its concerns and has urged Netanyahu to halt military action. The resolution also calls for the release of Israeli hostages and will be privately discussed before a vote takes place.
