Russia and China, possessing veto power in the UN Security Council, voiced alarm on Thursday about a draft resolution proposed by the United States. The resolution supports President Joe Biden’s call for an end to hostilities between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian militant group.
According to diplomats, Algeria, the only Arab member of the council, also indicated it was not prepared to support the wording. For a resolution to be passed, it must receive nine votes or more and not be vetoed by the United States, France, Britain, China, or Russia.
One week ago, Biden presented a three-phase cease-fire plan for the Gaza Strip, which he claimed was an Israeli initiative.
The United States is looking for international backing for the proposal that Hamas is now researching. It sent the 15-member U.N. Security Council a one-page draft resolution on Monday and an updated one on Wednesday, both of which were seen by Reuters.
The plan for a ceasefire is now being drafted with positivity; it is characterized as “acceptable” by Israel and “calls upon Hamas to also accept it, and urges both parties to fully implement its terms without delay and without condition.”
A full and complete ceasefire in the Gaza Strip is listed as part of phase one, and “upon agreement of the parties, a permanent end to hostilities” is listed as part of phase two of the proposal.
According to diplomats, some council members are skeptical that Israel has truly embraced the plan. They want the council to uphold its March demand for a quick ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages.
Russia called on Israel and Hamas to adopt the proposal and demanded an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire that would be adhered to by all sides. These changes to the U.S. text were viewed by Reuters.
In keeping with Biden’s comments from last week, Moscow also wants the text to emphasize that the truce in phase one will stay as long as phase two talks are ongoing.
US, Egyptian, and Qatari negotiators have been attempting to mediate a truce for months. According to Hamas, Israel should leave the 2.3 million-person enclave and the conflict in the Gaza Strip should come to an end permanently.
Israel is taking revenge on Gaza’s ruling party, Hamas, for an attack carried out by its terrorists on October 7.
According to Israeli counts, on October 7, more than 1,200 people were killed and over 250 were taken hostage by Hamas. It’s estimated that there are still around 100 hostages held captive in Gaza.
More than 36,000 Palestinians were killed in Israel’s air, ground, and sea assault on the blockaded Palestinian territory, according to Gaza health officials.
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