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The United States has proposed a resolution to the United Nations demanding an immediate halt to war in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
During a Saudi Arabian media interview, Secretary of State Antony Blinken disclosed the US initiative for an immediate ceasefire that also necessitates the freeing of approximately 100 hostages believed to be alive in Gaza under Hamas’s control. Secretary Blinken said, “We hope very much that countries will support that. I think that would send a strong message, a strong signal.”
Originally circulated last month, the draft resolution was circulated after the US vetoed a United Nations Security Council demand for an unconditional immediate ceasefire. Negotiations involving Hamas, Israel, Qatar, and Egypt have been ongoing, aiming for a ceasefire and hostage release, with Blinken expressing optimism regarding the narrowing gaps and potential for agreement.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas on October 7, triggered by a deadly assault from the Palestinian militant group in southern Israel, resulted in over 1,100 deaths and the abduction of an additional 250 individuals. The consequent war in Gaza by Israel has led to a reported 31,000 casualties, worsening a humanitarian crisis and the threat of famine. Despite supporting Israel’s efforts to dismantle Hamas, the US is simultaneously striving to facilitate aid delivery to Gaza.
This all comes as Israel is still considering a major military operation in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza sheltering over a million Palestinians. President Joe Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin have actively engaged with Israeli leadership, advocating for alternatives to a ground invasion in Rafah, emphasizing the need to protect civilian lives without compromising the battle against Hamas.
Despite these international efforts, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintains that a ground operation in Rafah is essential to defeat Hamas. The US, while backing Israel’s security, firmly opposes a major ground operation in Rafah, focusing on alternative strategies to counter Hamas without endangering innocent lives caught in the conflict.
