The United States has proposed a resolution to the United Nations Security Council calling for a temporary ceasefire and asking Israel not to continue its attack on Rafah in southern Gaza.
The draft text marks the first time the United States has explicitly backed a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, although it adds that the temporary ceasefire should begin “as soon as possible”, leaving some wiggle room for the Israeli military.
The text provided by the Biden administration is an alternative to a draft resolution in Algeria calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, which is scheduled to be debated on Tuesday.
About half of Gaza’s 2.3 million people have sought asylum in Rafah, and the U.S. appeal echoed rhetoric from Joe Biden in recent days. But the significance of the draft resolution is to send a signal that Washington is willing to put pressure on Israel through the United Nations, rather than relying solely on bilateral messages.
The U.S. draft resolution said the Security Council “determined that, under the current circumstances, a large-scale ground offensive against Rafah would result in further harm to civilians and result in their further displacement, including potentially to Neighboring countries, this will have serious consequences.” The impact on regional peace and security therefore emphasizes that such a large-scale ground attack should not be carried out under the current circumstances.”
Richard Gowan, director of the United Nations International Crisis Group, said on social media: “I suspect Israel will be more worried about this draft resolution at the United Nations. [US mission to the UN] louder or more strongly demanded than other UN member states. “
It is unclear whether the draft will be adopted or even put to a vote. A resolution requires at least nine votes in favor and no veto from the five permanent members (the United States, France, Britain, Russia or China) to pass. But it could form the basis for negotiations with other Security Council members in the coming days.
The US draft begins by condemning the October 7 attacks by Hamas, in particular “the taking and killing of hostages, murder and sexual violence, including rape.” The U.S. delegation had previously complained that previous Security Council resolutions did not explicitly blame Hamas.
The U.S. text calls for the protection of civilians and the provision of humanitarian aid, but makes no specific reference to the roles and responsibilities of the Israeli government or armed forces.
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British Foreign Secretary David Cameron also called for an “immediate end to the fighting” and a move towards a lasting peace in Rafah rather than an attack.
He told reporters on Monday during a visit to Stanley in the Falkland Islands: “We are now calling for a cessation of fighting and we think what we need is a cessation of fighting and the release of hostages to help get in. This should happen immediately.
“Let us stop the fighting now, release the hostages and start from here,” Lord Cameron said. “That’s what we need to happen, instead of attacking in Rafa.”
