The United States plans to veto an Arab-sponsored resolution in the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday that calls for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and the release of all hostages.
The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said in a statement Saturday that ongoing negotiations for a six-week pause in fighting and the phased release of Hamas-held hostages represent “the best opportunity” for their freedom and for a substantial increase in humanitarian aid into the enclave. On Monday, the United States circulated a draft resolution calling for support of that plan, including what it calls a “temporary ceasefire,” in a future vote. A U.S. official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive issue, cited the need to let the negotiations “play out.”
The U.S. draft also reiterates disapproval of a pending Israeli ground offensive into the southern city of Rafah, where more than a million Gazans have taken refuge, “under current circumstances,” as well as the “forced displacement” of any civilians. It demands that “all parties” allow the free flow of humanitarian aid. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said bending to international pressure to call off or delay a Rafah offensive was tantamount to telling Israel to “lose the war” against Hamas.
