The United States has circulated a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council, seeking to gain international support for its proposed ceasefire deal to end the fighting between Israel and Palestinian Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The draft resolution requires at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes from the five permanent members of the council to pass.
Key Provisions of the Draft Resolution
Kabul 24: The one-page draft text calls on Hamas to accept the deal and “fully and implement its terms without delay and without condition.” It also “stresses the importance of the parties adhering to the terms of the deal once agreed, with the aim of bringing about a permanent cessation of hostilities.”
US Proposal Builds on Previous Efforts
The US proposal comes a week after Algeria proposed a draft Security Council resolution demanding a Gaza ceasefire, release of all hostages held by Hamas, and essentially ordering Israel to “immediately halt its military offensive” in Rafah.
The US proposal is seen as a more comprehensive and balanced approach, which has garnered support from various leaders and governments in the region.
Biden’s Three-Phase Plan for Ceasefire
US President Joe Biden outlined a three-phase Israeli proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza in return for the release of Israeli hostages. He emphasized that “it’s time for this war to end” and received a positive initial reaction from Hamas.
International Support for the Deal
Numerous leaders and governments, including those in the region, have endorsed the US plan. The Group of Seven (G7) major democracies issued a statement fully endorsing and standing behind the comprehensive ceasefire and hostage release deal. US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield urged council members to adopt the resolution, saying, “We must speak with one voice in support of this deal.”
