The United States has revised a draft resolution for the United Nations Security Council to support an "immediate ceasefire for approximately six weeks in Gaza and the release of all hostages," according to the text of the draft reviewed by Reuters. The third amendment to the text, which the U.S. first proposed two weeks ago, reflects sharp comments made by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris.
The initial wording of the U.S. draft resolution indicated support for a "temporary ceasefire" in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The U.S. wants any Security Council support for a ceasefire to be linked to the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and the capture of 253 hostages, according to Israeli statistics.
Previously, Washington opposed the use of the term ceasefire. It vetoed three Security Council resolutions—two of which demanded an immediate ceasefire—during the ongoing five-month war. Recently, the U.S. justified its veto by stating that such actions in the council could jeopardize efforts by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar to mediate a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
On Tuesday, U.S. President Joe Biden stated that the decision to accept a ceasefire agreement lies with Hamas, while talks continued for the third day without any signs of a breakthrough. Washington is increasing pressure on its ally Israel to make more efforts to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza and has warned the United Nations that a quarter of the 2.3 million residents of the sector are on the brink of famine.
The United States has said it plans to allow time for negotiations regarding the draft resolution and will not rush into a vote. The draft resolution needs the support of at least nine countries for approval and must not face a veto from the U.S., France, the U.K., Russia, or China.
