US finalizes Security Council draft resolution over Gaza war: Reuters

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Reuters
15 Mar 2024 04:56

The draft condemns the October 7 events and expresses concern that an Israeli invasion of Rafah "would result in further harm to civilians and their further displacement."

US United Nations Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, center, addresses a meeting of the United Nations Security Council on the war in Gaza, Monday, March 11, 2024, at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)

The United States finalized Thursday its draft UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution regarding the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, Reuters reported citing a final draft of the document.

According to the news agency, the draft "unequivocally supports international diplomatic efforts to establish an immediate and sustained ceasefire" as part of a deal that releases the captives held by the Palestinian Resistance movement Hamas, "and that allows the basis for a more durable peace to alleviate humanitarian suffering."

The draft also condemns Hamas' Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on October 7 and expresses concern that a potential Israeli invasion of the southern Gazan city of Rafah "would result in further harm to civilians and their further displacement including potentially into neighboring countries," the news agency indicated.

Reuters mentioned that it is unclear when or if Washington will request a vote on the text, which requires at least nine votes and no vetoes from other key council members France, Britain, Russia, or China.

It noted that the United States may still make further adjustments to the draft.

In addition to providing the Israeli occupation entity with military support, the United States has vetoed three draft resolutions, two of which would have called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, citing concerns about jeopardizing ongoing efforts to broker a pause in fighting and release Israeli captives.

Washington has also abstained twice on resolutions aimed at aiding Gaza and calling for pauses in the fighting.

Hamas submits vision to mediators on ending aggression, exchange deal

Hamas announced that it has presented to mediators in Qatar and Egypt a comprehensive vision regarding its stance on halting the aggression on the Gaza Strip and the issue of prisoner exchange with the Israeli occupation, a statement released by the movement explained on Thursday.

The movement emphasized that this comes as part of its follow-up to negotiations through intermediaries to halt the Israeli aggression, provide relief and assistance to the Palestinian people in Gaza, facilitate the return of the displaced to their homes, and the complete withdrawal of occupation forces from the Strip.

It stressed that its vision is based on these principles and foundations, which it considers vital for any agreement, and that it will remain committed to the rights and concerns of the Palestinian people.