The United Nations Security Council is gearing up for a crucial vote, likely happening this Friday, on a resolution pushed forward by the United States. This resolution calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, coinciding with the European Union's plea for a "humanitarian pause." The pressure mounts on Israel to halt its relentless bombing campaign that has lasted for five long months.
Washington, known as Israel's steadfast supporter, has started to toughen its stance, a departure from its initial unwavering backing of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's actions in Gaza. The new draft resolution signifies a significant shift in Washington's approach, reflecting the growing global outcry over a conflict that has claimed the lives of approximately 32,000 Palestinians.
Experts from the UN have sounded the alarm about an impending famine exacerbated by Israel's blockade.
The proposed US resolution emphasizes the urgent need for an "immediate and sustained ceasefire" to safeguard civilians and facilitate the delivery of vital humanitarian aid. It also stipulates that the ceasefire hinges on the release of some of the remaining captives held by Hamas since their attack on Israel in October.
In the past, the US has refrained from endorsing ceasefire language and has vetoed previous UN resolutions advocating for one, the most recent being in February.
US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas Greenfield, announced the impending vote on Friday, highlighting the diplomatic efforts aimed at securing an immediate ceasefire, securing the release of hostages, and bolstering humanitarian aid.
There's been some debate over the wording of the US draft, prompting the drafting of a second resolution with stronger language demanding an immediate ceasefire. This alternative resolution enjoys support from eight out of the ten non-permanent members of the Security Council.
Simultaneously, EU leaders meeting in Brussels echoed the call for a ceasefire and demanded the unconditional release of all hostages. They also urged Israel to halt its plans for a major ground offensive in Rafah, a move that could worsen the already dire humanitarian situation.
While diplomatic maneuvers unfold at the UN, truce negotiations mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt persist in Doha. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's office confirmed the upcoming meeting in Qatar, indicating progress in the negotiations.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, actively engaged in his sixth trip to the region since the conflict erupted, expressed optimism about reaching a deal between Israel and Hamas. Negotiations in Qatar focus on a six-week truce proposal, involving the release of 40 Israeli captives in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians detained by Israel.
The primary hurdle remains Hamas' insistence on a comprehensive agreement to end the conflict, whereas Israel favors a temporary pause. Despite the challenges, Blinken remains hopeful, asserting the possibility of reaching an agreement in Doha.
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