Proposing UNSC Draft Resolution Regarding Gaza, US Calls for Ceasefire and Release of All Hostages

Israeli military land operations in Gaza. (Source: Israel Defense Forces)

JAKARTA - The United States has proposed a draft UN Security Council resolution regarding Gaza which calls for a temporary ceasefire in Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza, as well as providing a warning regarding plans to attack Rafah.

The US draft comes after the country vowed to veto a draft Algerian proposal calling for an immediate ceasefire. It is known that the UNSC will vote on the Algerian draft on Tuesday morning local time, quoted from CNN, February 20.

According to the draft text of the proposed resolution, Washington called for a "temporary ceasefire in Gaza as soon as possible," which fell short of most other Security Council members who wanted an immediate ceasefire.

Israel's traditional ally, protecting it from UN action, has repeatedly rejected calls for a "ceasefire," emphasizing what it claims is Israel's right to defend itself after the Hamas attack on October 7. The US has also voted against at least two Security Council resolutions regarding the Gaza conflict in previous votes.

"We don't plan to rush a vote," a senior US official said, adding the administration "does not believe the Security Council should take immediate action" by the deadline for the vote.

The US resolution "underlines its support for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza as soon as possible, based on a formula for the release of all hostages." The US, they said, would redouble negotiating efforts on the ground.

Furthermore, Uncle Sam's draft resolution also warned of the impact of Israel's ground attack on Rafah, saying it would "result in further losses to civilians and further displacement including possibly to neighboring countries, which would have a serious impact on peace and security regional."

The US draft, which also calls for the release of Israeli hostages, will be discussed privately on Tuesday. However, it is unclear when the vote will take place.

It is known that a draft resolution requires more than 9 votes in favor, without vetoes from permanent members (US, UK, Russia, France and Chia), out of a total of 15 UNSC member countries to be ratified.