US Pushes for Gaza Ceasefire Resolution at UN
The United States has unveiled a draft UN Security Council resolution aimed at supporting a Gaza ceasefire agreement initiated by President Joe Biden. US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield emphasized in a statement the necessity of endorsing the ceasefire plan, which includes stopping the fighting, the release of hostages, and increased humanitarian aid in Gaza.
She further noted, 'Many leaders and governments, including those in the region, have shown their support for this plan, and we urge the Security Council to join in calling for its immediate implementation without any new conditions.' The draft text seen by AFP acknowledges the agreement announced on May 31, urging Hamas to fully accept and implement its terms.
Global Support for Ceasefire Intensifies
The proposal, lauded by various international leaders, including Italy's Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, aims to cease hostilities and allow humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza. Tajani highlighted Italy's strong support for US mediation, stating, 'It's time to finally have this ceasefire that will make possible the release of the hostages and the delivery of aid to the Palestinian civilian population.'
US President Joe Biden outlined Israel's three-phase plan to end the war, which also involves the rehabilitation of the Palestinian territories. Yet, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office expressed Israel's intent to continue operations against Hamas until the militant group is eradicated. Despite differing stances, Biden's administration maintains that the adoption and execution of the ceasefire plan now rests on Hamas' cooperation.
While the Security Council members broadly agree on the major points of the agreement—ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces, humanitarian aid, and the restoration of basic services—there has been no vote scheduled at this stage. Amid ongoing conflicts and previous challenges in reaching a unified stance, the Council faces a critical juncture in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
- Last week, Algeria introduced a draft resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire and cessation of the Israeli offensive in Rafah. The United States, however, believed that this draft would not be helpful and continued to advocate for on-ground negotiations to reach a truce.
- Since the unprecedented attack by Hamas on October 7 against Israel and subsequent Israeli reprisals in Gaza, the Security Council has struggled to present a unified response. The Council's prior resolutions, mainly humanitarian, culminated in an 'immediate ceasefire' request for the duration of Ramadan, a proposal that faced multiple blocks by the United States until a recent abstention.
