UN Security Council to vote on US Gaza ceasefire resolution
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According to a draft obtained by AFP, the resolution expresses appreciation for the ceasefire and captives release plan unveiled by President Joe Biden on May 31st.
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People speak during a Security Council meeting about the war on Gaza at United Nations headquarters, Wednesday, May 29, 2024 (AP)
The United Nations Security Council is scheduled for a critical vote this Monday afternoon on a draft resolution put forth by the US.
The resolution is aimed at endorsing Washington's ceasefire proposal and calling upon Hamas to accept it.
According to a draft obtained by AFP, the resolution expresses appreciation for the ceasefire and captives release plan unveiled by US President Joe Biden on May 31st.
It further "urges both parties to fully implement its terms without delay and without condition."
"This proposal is the best opportunity we have right now to bring at least a temporary halt to this fighting, to be able to get more assistance in, get hostages released," deputy US Ambassador to the UN Robert Wood told AFP.
Under the proposed plan, "Israel" would withdraw only from Gaza's populated areas but maintain a so-called "limited presence" in the Strip, while Hamas would agree to release all captives.
The ceasefire, initially slated for six weeks, could be extended as negotiations progress towards a lasting peace agreement.
Read more: From North to South, ‘Israel’ isolated, cornered, and dealt blows
Hamas, PIJ reaffirm stance on ceasefire conditions amid Blinken's bias
Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) have reaffirmed their conditions for accepting any ceasefire proposal that would comprise a permanent end to the war along with a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the region.
Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri expressed discontent with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's recent comments regarding the Gaza ceasefire.
Zuhri labeled Blinken's remarks as "biased to Israel," noting that such a stance poses a significant obstacle to achieving a ceasefire agreement.
Meanwhile, Blinken, who embarked on a trip to the Middle East, urged regional leaders to exert pressure on Hamas to accept a one-sided ceasefire proposal.
Hamas's refusal to accept the proposal stands as the primary impediment to progress, the US diplomat claimed.
"Blinken's speech during his visit to Egypt is an example of bias to Israel and it offers an American cover to the holocaust conducted by the occupation in Gaza," Abu Zuhri said.
Read more: Egypt's Shoukry holds talks with Lavrov on Gaza ceasefire
