US proposes resolution in UNSC seeking temporary ceasefire in Gaza

Middle East, News, US February 21, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

The United States has drafted a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a temporary ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. The resolution has also opposed Israel’s ground offense in the southern Rafah city.

Until now, Washington had been opposing such resolutions proposed by any other member nation at the UN Security Council, emphasizing what it claims is Israel’s right to defend itself following Hamas’ terror attack on October 7.

The U.S. has particularly refrained from using the word “ceasefire” in any of the UN proceedings in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict. However, in the recent statements released by the White House and other U.S. government channels, the word “ceasefire” has been used. It was also mentioned by U.S. President Joe Biden during his conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week.

According to the text of the U.S.-proposed draft, the U.S. is calling for a “temporary ceasefire in Gaza as soon as practicable,” which falls short of the wishes of most other Security Council members who want an immediate ceasefire.

The U.S. draft comes after it had vowed to veto an Algerian draft proposal calling for an immediate ceasefire. Washington believes that Algeria’s UN resolution could jeopardize the talks between the U.S., Egypt, Israel, and Qatar that seek to broker a pause in the war and the release of hostages held by Hamas.

The United States does “not plan to rush” to a vote and intends to allow time for negotiations, a senior U.S. administration official said. To pass, a resolution needs at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes by the U.S., France, Britain, Russia, or China.

Israel’s operation in Rafah

The U.S. draft cautions about the consequences of an Israeli ground incursion into Rafah, stating that it could lead to “additional civilian casualties and displacement, potentially spilling over into neighboring countries, with significant ramifications for regional peace and security.”

Israel has started to escalate its ground operations into Rafah despite international pressure, Concerns abound that military actions within the refugee encampment could trigger a mass exodus and result in the loss of thousands of civilian lives.

Gaza view - Israel-Palestine Conflict — *^{A flare falls over Gaza, as seen from southern Israel, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas on November 22, 2023. (Image Credit: Reuters/Alexander Ermochenko)}*

The Biden administration has grown more vocal in expressing concerns over how Israel is conducting the war. In his call with the Israeli Prime Minister last week, President Biden said that the military proceedings “should not proceed.”

President Joe Biden told reporters at the White House that he had “extensive conversations” with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the last several days where he relayed his position “that there has to be a temporary ceasefire” to secure the safe release of hostages still held by Hamas.

The US draft, which also advocates for the liberation of Israeli hostages, is scheduled for private discussion in the UN Security Council. The timing of its voting remains uncertain, requiring more than nine favorable votes and no vetoes from permanent members for passage.