The United States is pushing for the United Nations Security Council to back a proposed ceasefire deal in Gaza, aiming to end the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas. This proposal, outlined by President Joe Biden, has been circulated as a one-page draft text to the 15-member council, and a resolution requires at least nine votes in favor, with no vetoes from the US, France, Britain, China, or Russia. The draft resolution calls for Hamas to accept the ceasefire terms and to “fully implement its terms without delay and without condition.” It also emphasizes the importance of all parties adhering to the agreement once reached, with the ultimate goal of achieving a permanent cessation of hostilities.
The US initiative follows a draft resolution proposed by Algeria a week earlier, which demanded a Gaza ceasefire, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and an immediate halt to Israel’s military operations in Rafah. President Biden outlined what he described as a three-phase Israeli proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages, asserting that “it’s time for this war to end.” This proposal received a positive initial response from Hamas. US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, urged Security Council members to adopt the resolution, highlighting the support it has garnered from various leaders and governments, including those in the region. “Numerous leaders and governments have endorsed this plan, and we call on the Security Council to join them in calling for the implementation of this deal,” Thomas-Greenfield said in a statement. She emphasized the need for the council to “speak with one voice in support of this deal.”
The proposal has received strong backing from the Group of Seven (G7) major democracies, who issued a statement fully endorsing the comprehensive ceasefire and hostage release deal. Additionally, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Egypt have stressed the importance of dealing “seriously and positively” with the proposal. This push for a ceasefire comes amid continued violence in Gaza, marked by intense Israeli airstrikes and rocket attacks by Hamas. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties and destruction, heightening international calls for a resolution. The proposed ceasefire aims to address the immediate humanitarian crisis and pave the way for longer-term peace negotiations. As the Security Council deliberates on the US proposal, the international community watches closely, hopeful for a resolution that could bring an end to the violence and suffering in Gaza. The outcome of these discussions will be critical in determining the next steps toward achieving a sustainable peace in the region.
