President Biden pushes UN resolution for Israel-Hamas ceasefire

The United States has taken a significant step by introducing a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council to support the ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas. This resolution, proposed by President Joe Biden, urges Hamas to accept the plan, highlighting the broad endorsement it has received from various leaders and governments.

The draft resolution acknowledges the ceasefire deal announced on May 31 and calls on Hamas to promptly and unconditionally accept and implement its terms. President Biden has outlined a three-phase Israeli plan to bring an end to the conflict, secure the release of hostages, and aid in the reconstruction of the devastated Palestinian territory, all while excluding Hamas from power.

However, differences emerged between the United States and Israel when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the continuation of military operations in Gaza until all of Israel's objectives, including the dismantling of Hamas's military and governing capabilities, are met.

President Biden has communicated to the emir of Qatar that Hamas remains the primary obstacle to a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza, urging Qatar to apply pressure on the group to accept the ceasefire terms. While Hamas initially showed a positive response to Biden's plan, they have not issued an official statement regarding the stalled negotiations.

Previously, Algeria circulated a draft resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the Israeli offensive in Rafah, citing an order from the International Court of Justice. The United States has emphasized the necessity of direct negotiations for a truce rather than relying solely on a resolution.

The United Nations Security Council has encountered challenges in reaching a consensus since the conflict's onset, with earlier resolutions focusing on humanitarian aid and appeals for ceasefires. The recent resolution advocating for an immediate ceasefire was eventually permitted by the United States after facing multiple blocks due to escalating civilian casualties.

The ongoing efforts at the United Nations Security Council to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas reflect the international community's commitment to resolving the conflict and alleviating the suffering of civilians in the region. As diplomatic negotiations continue, the hope remains for a lasting peace that addresses the root causes of the conflict and paves the way for a more stable future for all parties involved.