US, draft resolution seeking immediate Gaza ceasefire

The United States has circulated a draft resolution of the United Nations Security Council calling for an immediate <x0-day ceasefire related to the release of hostages at the Gaza Strip”, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The American diplomat made this announcement during the Middle East tour, which will include a visit to Israel.

The US, Israel's key ally, had previously vetoed the Security Council for resolutions regarding Gaza. The last case was in February, when Washington rejected the use of the once word “” in the draft submitted by Algeria.

In recent weeks, however, Washington has stepped up pressure on Israel, while insisting that Hamas the Palestinian group declared a terrorist organisation by the US and the European Union immediately must release the hostages taken during the October 7th Israeli attack.

“In fact, we have a resolution that we have submitted to the UN Security Council calling for immediate ceasefire related to the release of hostages and we hope that every state will support it”, Blinken said during the visit to Saudi Arabia.

“I think it would send a strong message, a strong signal”, he told Saudi Al Hadath media.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyah has vowed to destroy Hamas in retaliation for the October 7th attack.

“Of course, we stand with Israel in its right to defend ourselves... but, at the same time, it's encouraging that civilians who are in combat areas and who are suffering terriblely to focus on them, let us prioritize them, so protecting civilians and sending humanitarian aid”, Blinken said.

American officials have negotiated an alternative text of the resolution since they blocked the draft Algerian resolution calling for an immediate <x0).

That option, focusing on supporting a six-week ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages, had little chance to pass, diplomatic sources said, according to the AFP. This news agency has seen a new version of the text highlighting the <x0 need for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire to protect civilians, allowing essential assistance to alleviate suffering... in connection with the release of hostages currently being held”.

No session of this text could be voted on yet.

A day earlier, Blinken in Saudi Arabia met with state leaders, meanwhile, on Thursday, will stay in Egypt and Friday in Israel.

The Blinkent tournament, which is the sixth in the region since the war began, takes place in parallel with the talks held in Qatar, where mediators for the third consecutive days met on Wednesday in efforts to reach a ceasefire. However, there is little indication that they can quickly reach an agreement.

The plan under discussion in Qatar would enable the temporary halt to fighting in exchange for the release of Palestinian hostages and prisoners. During this period, humanitarian relief shipments would also increase in the Gaza Strip. / REL