US puts forward draft resolution calling for immediate cease-fire in Gaza

The United States presents a draft U.N. Security Council resolution for an ‘immediate cease-fire linked to the release of hostages’ in Gaza, as pressure mounts on Israel and Hamas

The United States has put forward a draft resolution at the U.N. Security Council, calling for an “immediate cease-fire linked to the release of hostages” in Gaza, according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The U.S., a key supporter of Israel, has previously vetoed U.N. Security Council resolutions on the nearly six-month-long conflict.

As recently as February, it objected to the term “immediate” in a draft proposed by Algeria.

However, Washington has recently increased pressure on Israel, insisting that Hamas militants must release the hostages taken during attacks on Israel on Oct. 7.

“We have a resolution right now before the United Nations Security Council that calls for an immediate cease-fire tied to the release of hostages, and we hope countries will support that,” Blinken stated during his visit to Saudi Arabia.

Proposal includes a 6-week truce

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to eradicate Hamas in response to the Oct. 7 attacks.

“While we stand with Israel and its right to self-defense, it is crucial that we focus on the civilians who are in harm’s way and suffering so greatly – prioritizing their protection and providing humanitarian assistance,” Blinken added.

U.S. officials have been working on an alternative text since blocking an Algerian draft resolution for an “immediate humanitarian cease-fire” in Gaza at the end of February.

According to diplomatic sources, the new draft, which emphasizes support for a six-week truce to release hostages, appears unlikely to gain approval.

A revised version of the draft, obtained by Agence France-Presse (AFP), stresses “the urgent need for an immediate and lasting cease-fire to protect civilians on all sides, facilitate the delivery of essential humanitarian aid, and alleviate suffering… in conjunction with the release of hostages still held.”

No vote has yet been scheduled for this new resolution.

Blinken in Middle East visit

Blinken met with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and later held discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman upon arriving in the kingdom on Wednesday.

This visit marks the start of a regional tour that includes Egypt on Thursday and Israel on Friday.

Blinken’s sixth tour to the region since the conflict began coincides with talks in Qatar. Mediators there have been meeting for a third day to secure a cease-fire, although there are no signs of an imminent agreement.

The plan being discussed in Qatar aims to temporarily halt the fighting, allowing for the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners and the increased delivery of relief supplies to Gaza.

Source: Newsroom

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