US to propose ceasefire resolution for UN vote on Gaza conflict

The United States is poised to introduce a resolution at the UN Security Council on Friday (22 Mar), urging for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a hostage agreement between Israel and Hamas.

This initiative intensifies pressure on Israel by its ally, the US, to facilitate increased humanitarian aid and bolster protection for civilians.

Notably, the US has utilized its veto power on three draft resolutions during the conflict, including two that called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

This approach is defended by the US as a measure to safeguard ongoing ceasefire negotiations.

According to Nate Evans, spokesperson for the US mission to the United Nations, the resolution is the outcome of extensive consultations with the 15-seat Security Council members.

It signifies a notable shift in Washington’s approach towards Israel, as earlier in the five-month-long conflict, the US refrained from endorsing the term ‘ceasefire’ and vetoed proposals advocating for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

The draft resolution advocates for an “immediate and sustained ceasefire” lasting approximately six weeks, aimed at safeguarding civilians and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

Additionally, it lends support to the ongoing mediation efforts by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, emphasizing the importance of utilizing the ceasefire period to intensify endeavors towards achieving a lasting peace agreement.

To be adopted by the Security Council, the resolution requires at least nine affirmative votes and must avoid vetoes from the US, France, Britain, Russia, or China.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed optimism on Thursday (21 Mar) regarding ongoing talks in Qatar aimed at reaching a ceasefire agreement for Gaza.

During his visit to Cairo, Blinken engaged with Arab foreign ministers and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

The talks in Qatar focus on brokering a six-week truce to facilitate the release of 40 Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians detained in Israeli jails.

Blinken stated, “Negotiators continue to work. The gaps are narrowing, and we’re continuing to push for an agreement in Doha. There’s still difficult work to get there. But I continue to believe it’s possible.”

However, he noted, “We’ve closed the gaps, but there are still gaps. So I can’t put a timeline on it. I can just say that we’re committed to doing everything possible to reaching an agreement.”

A key point of contention in the ceasefire negotiations remains unresolved: Hamas insists on linking the release of hostages to a comprehensive war-ending agreement, while Israel insists solely on a temporary pause.

The US’s insistence on linking Security Council support for a ceasefire with the release of hostages held by Hamas underscores its strategic stance.

The conflict that erupted on 7 October has resulted in significant casualties and hostage-taking, as reported by both Israeli and Gaza health authorities.

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 31,988 Palestinians have been killed, and 74,188 others have been injured in Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip since 7 October.

Israel’s military offensive has been relentless since the cross-border attack by Hamas on 7 October, which claimed around 1,200 lives.

The resolution not only seeks to promote a ceasefire but also aims to strengthen humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza, where severe hunger is exacerbating amid the ongoing conflict.

The situation in Gaza is dire, particularly for isolated populations in the northern region, who lack access to crucial humanitarian assistance.

A report released by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) on 18 March highlights the imminent threat of famine in Gaza.

According to the IPC’s latest food security outlook, up to 1.1 million people in Gaza are now confronting catastrophic levels of food insecurity.