Khatib/AFP/Getty Images said
Members of the Palestinian Civil Defense put out a fire in a building east of Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, on February 19, 2024.
New York
CNN
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The United States has proposed a United Nations Security Council draft resolution on Gaza that calls for a temporary ceasefire in Israel's war against Hamas and warns against Israeli incursions into Rafah, home to hundreds of thousands of residents. Displaced Palestinians They fled during the conflict.
The US draft comes after it vowed to veto an Algerian draft proposal calling for an immediate ceasefire. The council will vote on the Algerian draft on Tuesday morning.
According to the text of the US-proposed draft seen by CNN, the US calls for a “temporary ceasefire in Gaza to take effect soon”, falling short of the wishes of other Security Council members who want an immediate ceasefire. .
The US, which has traditionally shielded its ally Israel from UN action, has repeatedly resisted calls for a “ceasefire” following the October 7 terror attack by Hamas, asserting what it says is Israel's right to defend itself. Two are the Security Council Resolutions on war.
“We don't plan to rush the vote,” a senior US official said, adding that “the administration does not believe the House should take urgent action” with the deadline for the vote. The US resolution “underlines its support for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza as soon as practicable, based on the release of all hostages.”
The US, they said, would redouble efforts to hold talks on the ground.
On Friday, President Joe Biden told reporters at the White House that he had had “extensive conversations” with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the past several days, where he expressed his position that “there should be a temporary cease-fire” to be released safely. More Hamas prisoners.
The US draft warns of the consequences of an Israeli ground attack on Rafah, which “will further harm civilians and have serious implications for regional peace and security, leading to further displacement within neighboring countries.”
Despite international pressure, Israel has said it plans to expand ground operations in Rafah as part of its goal to destroy Hamas after the October 7 offensive. Many fear the military operation in the refugee tent city could trigger an exodus and lead to the deaths of thousands of civilians.
The Biden administration has been more vocal in expressing concerns about how Israel is conducting the war. Last week, Biden told Netanyahu that military action “must not continue.” Reading Their call.
A US draft calling for the release of Israeli hostages will be discussed privately on Tuesday. It's not clear when it will be put to a vote, which would require more Nine votes in favour And no veto from permanent members can be passed.
This story has been updated with additional details.
