US seeks UN support for Gaza ceasefire

American Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Grenfield said the US distributed a draft resolution to the other 14 Council members for support of the end of the conflict.

The conflict has begun since last October, when Hamas a group declared terrorist by the United States and other powers has unexpectedly attacked Israel, killing over 1,200 people and taking hundreds of others hostage.

In response, the Israeli Army is conducting a massive campaign of attacks in Gaza.

According to Hamas authorities, who control this enclave, over 36,000 people have been killed so far in Israeli attacks.

The plan, announced by Biden, includes, among other things, the complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from areas populated in Gaza, sending aid there and the release of hostages from Hamas.

Many leaders and governments, including those in the region, have adopted this plan. We call on the Security Council to join them in calling for implementation of this agreement without delay and without any other conditions”, Ambassador Thomas-Grenfield said.

The foreign ministers of the five leading Arab countries -- Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt -- demanded Israel and Hamas to consider the Biden proposal “serioously and positively”.

An Israeli deputy prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said Israel has accepted it, though, according to him, the plan has shortcomings and still wants work.

Hamas said he welcomes President Beden's initiative, but that it requires guarantees that the offensive will be put to an end in Gaza, that all Israeli forces will withdraw, that there will be free movement for Palestinians, and that there will be assistance for the reconstruction of Gaza. /rel/