Said Khatib/AFP/Getty Images
Members of the Palestinian Civil Defense extinguish a fire in a building in eastern Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, on February 19, 2024.
New York CNN –
The United States has introduced a draft United Nations Security Council resolution on Gaza that calls for a temporary ceasefire in Israel's war against Hamas and warns of an Israeli ground attack in Rafah, where hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians have fled during the conflict.
The US draft comes after they 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 is calling for a “temporary ceasefire in Gaza as soon as possible,” which falls short of the wishes of most other Security Council members who want an immediate ceasefire.
The US, which has traditionally protected its ally Israel from UN action, has repeatedly resisted calls for a “ceasefire” while stressing that Israel supposedly has the right to defend itself after Hamas's Oct. 7 terror attack. They also voted against at least two Security Council resolutions on war.
On Friday, President Joe Biden told reporters at the White House that he had had “extensive discussions” with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in recent days, in which he made his position that “there needs to be a temporary ceasefire” to secure the To ensure release of hostages still held by Hamas.
The US draft warns of the impact of an Israeli ground offensive in Rafah, saying it would “lead to further harm to civilians and their further displacement, possibly to neighboring countries, which would have serious implications for regional peace and security.” .”
Despite international pressure, Israel has announced it will expand its ground operations in Rafah to destroy Hamas after the October 7 attacks. Many fear that a military operation in the refugee tent city could trigger an exodus and result in the deaths of thousands of civilians.
The Biden administration is more vocal about its concerns about the way Israel is waging the war. Last week, Biden told Netanyahu that military action “must not continue,” according to their call.
The US draft, which also calls for the release of Israeli hostages, will be discussed privately on Tuesday. It is unclear when this will be voted on. More than nine yes votes and no veto from the permanent members are required for adoption.