The United States, which has consistently opposed calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, will present a draft resolution to the UN Security Council on Friday, emphasizing the urgent need for “an immediate ceasefire.” Concurrently, Russia is advocating for even more explicit demands for peace.
Since the commencement of Israeli military actions following the Hamas attack on October 7, the United States has employed its UN Security Council veto multiple times, thwarting attempts to endorse an immediate ceasefire in the Palestinian region. Following their latest veto at the end of February, US officials have been engaged in negotiations to devise an alternative resolution focused on supporting diplomatic endeavors on the ground for a six-week truce, contingent upon the release of hostages.
The latest draft, obtained by AFP, underscores the necessity for “an immediate and sustained ceasefire to safeguard civilians on all fronts, facilitate the delivery of vital humanitarian aid, and mitigate humanitarian distress.” Furthermore, it advocates for “diplomatic initiatives to secure such a ceasefire in conjunction with the liberation of all remaining hostages.”
Under mounting international pressure to moderate its staunch support for Israel, Secretary of State Antony Blinken remarked on Wednesday that the latest resolution conveys “a strong message.” However, the text refrains from explicitly urging a ceasefire, instead emphasizing its imperative nature—a stance criticized by Russia as insufficient.
Russian Deputy Ambassador to the UN Dmitry Polyanskiy expressed dissatisfaction, stating, “We are not content with anything less than an immediate ceasefire.” Richard Gowan, an analyst at the International Crisis Group, observed that “the US is still not insisting on a ceasefire without conditions.” Nevertheless, he noted that “even this modest shift by the US will unsettle the Israelis, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks to exclude the UN from diplomatic efforts concerning the conflict altogether.”
Diplomatic sources indicate that the United States has garnered adequate support (at least 9 out of 15 votes) for the resolution to be adopted, although a Russian veto remains a possibility. US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield voiced optimism regarding its adoption.
In addition to advocating for a ceasefire, the resolution rejects any attempts at demographic or territorial alterations in Gaza and condemns all forms of terrorism, including the Hamas-led attacks on October 7 against Israel. If ratified, this resolution would mark the first instance of the Security Council specifically denouncing the Hamas assault, which claimed approximately 1,160 lives in Israel, predominantly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures.
Israel has relentlessly bombarded Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 31,988 individuals, primarily women and children, according to the territory’s health ministry.
Despite previous humanitarian resolutions, aid delivery to Gaza remains inadequate, with the specter of famine looming. Several political resolutions have encountered opposition through US, Russian, or Chinese vetoes, or insufficient votes for passage.
