US Proposes UN Resolution for Temporary Gaza Ceasefire
US Calls for Ceasefire and Opposes Ground Offensive in Gaza
The United States has proposed a draft United Nations Security Council resolution, urging for a temporary ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and opposing a major ground offensive by Israel in Rafah. The text, seen by Reuters, comes after the U.S. signaled it would veto an Algerian-drafted resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
Concerns Over Talks and Ceasefire
The U.S. expressed concerns that the Algerian-drafted resolution could jeopardize talks between the U.S., Egypt, Israel, and Qatar, aimed at brokering a pause in the war and the release of hostages held by Hamas. The move marks a shift in the U.S.’s previous stance on using the term “ceasefire” in U.N. action regarding the Israel-Hamas war.
Implications for Regional Peace and Security
The draft U.S. resolution strongly opposes a major ground offensive into Rafah, stating that it would result in further harm to civilians and their displacement, potentially into neighboring countries. The resolution emphasizes that such an offensive should not proceed under the current circumstances, highlighting its serious implications for regional peace and security.
U.S. Diplomatic Protection and Israel’s Concerns
The U.S.’s proposal of the resolution serves as a warning to Israel, signaling that it cannot rely on American diplomatic protection indefinitely. This move comes as a surprise, given Washington’s traditional shielding of Israel from U.N. action. Israel’s mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to the U.S. draft.
Rejecting Demographic or Territorial Change
The draft U.S. resolution condemns calls by some Israeli government ministers for Jewish settlers to move to Gaza. It also rejects any attempt at demographic or territorial change in Gaza that would violate international law, including the establishment of buffer zones and the demolition of civilian infrastructure.
Humanitarian Crisis and Global Concern
International concern has been raised over Israel’s plans to storm Rafah, where more than 1 million Palestinians in Gaza have sought shelter. The U.N. has warned that such an assault could worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and lead to a slaughter. The war began with an attack by Hamas militants on Israel, followed by a military assault by Israel on Gaza.
Global Call for Ceasefire
In December, more than three-quarters of the 193-member U.N. General Assembly voted to demand an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. While General Assembly resolutions are not binding, they carry political weight, reflecting a global view on the war.
