UNITED NATIONS - The United States has made significant amendments to a draft resolution presented to the United Nations Security Council regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The latest revision, which was influenced by Vice President Kamala Harris's direct statements, now advocates for an "immediate ceasefire of roughly six weeks in Gaza along with the release of all hostages," as per documents obtained by Reuters. Initially, the U.S. had proposed support for only a "temporary ceasefire" in the Israel-Hamas conflict. This shift in language reflects the U.S.'s insistence that any Security Council endorsement of a ceasefire be contingent upon the liberation of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
The U.S. has been hesitant to employ the term "ceasefire" and has previously vetoed three draft resolutions at the council, two of which called for an immediate ceasefire, during the ongoing five-month-long conflict. The rationale for these vetoes was to safeguard the mediation efforts led by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar aimed at brokering a pause in hostilities and securing the release of hostages. President Joe Biden has remarked that Hamas holds the key to accepting a ceasefire deal, as talks among delegations continue with no apparent breakthrough in sight.
While the U.S. has historically been a staunch supporter of Israel at the United Nations, it has also abstained twice, enabling the adoption of resolutions aimed at providing aid to Gaza and advocating for extended periods of cessation in fighting. Following the October 7 attack by Hamas, Israel launched a military offensive in Gaza, resulting in significant casualties. The United States is now exerting pressure on Israel to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza, where the United Nations warns that a quarter of the population is on the brink of famine.
The United States has indicated that it intends to allow time for negotiations on its revised draft resolution and will not rush to a vote. For the resolution to pass, it must secure at least nine affirmative votes, without facing vetoes from the United States, France, Britain, Russia, or China.