The United States proposes a “temporary ceasefire” in Gaza in a draft UN resolution

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CNN
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The United States proposed a draft UN Security Council resolution on Gaza that calls for a temporary ceasefire in the war waged by Israel against Hamas and warns against an Israeli ground incursion into Rafah, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians live. Displaced Palestinians They fled during the conflict.

The American project comes after it pledged to veto a draft Algerian proposal calling for an immediate ceasefire. The Council will vote on the Algerian project on Tuesday morning.

According to the text of the draft proposed by the United States, which was seen by CNN, the United States calls for a “temporary ceasefire in Gaza as soon as practicable,” which does not meet the desires of most other Security Council members who want an immediate ceasefire. fire. .

The United States, which has traditionally protected its ally Israel from UN actions, has repeatedly resisted calls for a ceasefire, asserting what it claims is Israel's right to defend itself in the wake of the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack. . I also voted against no less. Two from the Security Council Decisions On the war.

“We do not plan to rush the vote,” a senior US official said, adding that the administration “does not believe the Council should take urgent action” to set a final date for the vote. The US decision affirms “its support for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza as soon as practicable, based on the formula of releasing all hostages.”

They said that the United States would redouble its efforts to negotiate on the ground.

On Friday, President Joe Biden told reporters at the White House that he had “extensive conversations” with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the past few days in which he conveyed his position “that there must be a temporary ceasefire” to ensure the safe release of prisoners. Hostages still held by Hamas.

The US draft resolution warns of the effects of the Israeli ground attack on Rafah, saying that it “will lead to further harm to civilians and their greater displacement, including the possibility of their displacement to neighboring countries, which will have serious implications for regional peace and security.”

Despite international pressure, Israel said it plans to expand its ground operations in Rafah as part of its goal to destroy Hamas after the October 7 attacks. Many fear that military action in the refugee tent city will lead to a mass exodus and lead to the deaths of thousands of civilians.

The Biden administration has become more vocal in expressing its concerns about how Israel is managing the war. Last week, Biden told Netanyahu that military action “should not continue,” according to A Read Who invited them?

The US project, which also calls for the release of Israeli hostages, will be discussed privately on Tuesday. It is not clear when it will be put to a vote, which will require more than that Nine votes in favour There is no veto power by the permanent members to pass it.

This story has been updated with additional details.