- US circulates UN resolution for ceasefire, hostage release in Gaza
- US increases pressure for ceasefire, demands hostage release by Hamas
- Resolution aims to protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian aid delivery
As per US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is currently touring the Middle East, a draft resolution of the United Nations Security Council urging for an “immediate ceasefire tied to the release of hostages” in Gaza has been circulated by the United States.
Opposing a draft put forth by Algeria in February that included the word “immediate” rather than “immediate,” the principal political and military backer of Israel has vetoed on multiple occasions previous UN Security Council votes on ending the nearly six-month conflict.
In recent weeks, nevertheless, it has intensified its demands on Israel, insisting that Hamas combatants release the captives they captured during its attacks on Israel on October 7.
Blinken stated in Saudi Arabia, “Well, in fact, we have a resolution that we are currently presenting to the United Nations Security Council that does call for an immediate ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages. We sincerely hope that all nations will support this.”
“I believe that would send a strong message and signal,” he told Al Hadath, a Saudi media outlet, on Wednesday.
“We wholeheartedly support Israel’s right to defend itself… “However, we mustn’t lose sight of the suffering and perilous situation of the civilians – they must be our top priority and be protected while we provide humanitarian aid to them,” Blinken continued.
The Security Council unequivocally supports ongoing international diplomatic efforts to secure an immediate and sustained ceasefire in exchange for the release of all remaining hostages, protect civilians on all sides, facilitate the delivery of essential humanitarian assistance, and alleviate humanitarian suffering (as stated in a copy of the new draft resolution).
James Bays, stated that although the development “sounds very important,” the “exact language” of the resolution is critical and that the United States’ actual demand was ambiguous.
“Although it is the most forceful language to date, does the Security Council support this demand for an urgent ceasefire? “Or is it merely a resolution in which the Security Council declares an immediate cessation of hostilities to be an extremely critical matter?” he inquired.
In this text, a vote has yet to be scheduled.
The United States was the only nation to vote against the draft in February, exercising its third veto of the year; the United Kingdom abstained.
Adopting a UNSC resolution requires a minimum of nine affirmative votes and the absence of vetoes from any of the five permanent members—the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, or China.
At that time, US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield stated that the United States was vetoing the resolution out of concern that it could jeopardize negotiations between the United States, Egypt, Israel, and Qatar, which aimed to mediate a cessation of hostilities and the release of Palestinian hostages held in Gaza.
In Qatar, armistice negotiations continued this week despite previous failures to reach an accord before the commencement of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Following discussions with Israel’s intelligence commander in Doha, Qatari officials expressed “cautious optimism.” However, Majed al-Ansari, a spokesman for the Qatari Foreign Ministry, predicted on Tuesday that an Israeli ground operation in Rafah, southern Gaza, would delay any negotiations.
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Additionally, Bays stated that “this is not the only resolution draft circulating.”
“Other resolutions vetoed by the United States have required a ceasefire in their language.” This one employs the phrase “determines the imperative,” which means that a cessation is crucial. “Currently, it is not overly demanding,” he continued.
“Based on my intuition, the United States may attempt to finalize this resolution in the Security Council while the negotiations continue in Doha. The plan is to reach an agreement in Doha regarding a cessation of hostilities and the liberation of the captives, after which this resolution will be considered.” That is the timeframe, but further clarification is required.
Blinken has visited the Middle East six times since the beginning of Israel’s assault on Gaza. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan have already conferred with him in Saudi Arabia.
According to the Egyptian foreign ministry, he is scheduled to meet with the foreign ministers of Egypt, Qatar, and Jordan in Cairo on Thursday. Additionally, he is expected to address the general secretary of the executive committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) and the minister of international cooperation of the United Arab Emirates.
On Friday, Blinken is anticipated in Israel.
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