The United States has proposed a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council, calling for a temporary ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The resolution also warns against an Israeli ground incursion into Rafah, a city where hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians have sought refuge. This proposal comes after the US had previously vowed 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, as seen by CNN, 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. The United States, traditionally a staunch ally of Israel, has been resistant to calls for a ceasefire, citing Israel’s right to defend itself following a terror attack by Hamas on October 7. The US has also voted against multiple Security Council resolutions related to the conflict.
A senior US official stated that they do not plan to rush to a vote on the draft resolution and believe that urgent action is not necessary at this time. Instead, the US intends to focus on negotiating on the ground. President Joe Biden has had extensive conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressing his position that a temporary ceasefire is necessary 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 action would cause further harm to civilians and their displacement, potentially leading to serious implications for regional peace and security. Despite international pressure, Israel has expressed its intention to expand its ground operations into Rafah as part of its goal to destroy Hamas. Many fear that this military action in the refugee tent city could result in an exodus and the deaths of thousands of civilians.
The Biden administration has become increasingly vocal about its concerns regarding Israel’s conduct in the war. President Biden has advised Netanyahu that the military action “should not proceed.” The US draft resolution also calls for the release of Israeli hostages and will be privately discussed on Tuesday. The timing of the vote is uncertain, but it will require more than nine votes in favor and no vetoes from permanent members to pass.
In conclusion, the United States has proposed a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council, calling for a temporary ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. While the US falls short of other Security Council members’ desire for an immediate ceasefire, it emphasizes Israel’s right to defend itself. The US draft also warns against an Israeli ground offensive into Rafah, highlighting the potential harm to civilians and regional peace and security. The Biden administration has been increasingly vocal about its concerns and has urged Netanyahu to prioritize a temporary ceasefire. The resolution will be privately discussed and requires a majority vote to pass.
