The United Nations Security Council is set to vote on a ceasefire resolution for Gaza, with talks continuing in Qatar. The resolution, drafted by the United States, is calling for an immediate and sustained ceasefire to protect civilians and allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid. This marks a shift in Washington’s approach, as they have previously avoided referring to a ceasefire and vetoed similar resolutions in the past. However, there is some discomfort with the language used in the US draft, and a second resolution with stronger language demanding an immediate ceasefire has been drafted and has the support of eight of the 10 non-permanent members of the Security Council.
While the US has been a staunch ally of Israel, providing solid support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his efforts in Gaza, there has been a gradual hardening of tone from Washington. Global condemnation of the war in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of 32,000 Palestinians, has led to increased pressure on Israel to end its bombardment of the region. UN experts have also warned of an imminent famine due to Israel’s blockade.
In addition to the UN resolution, the European Union leaders meeting in Brussels have called for an immediate humanitarian pause and a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza. They have also demanded the unconditional release of all hostages and urged Israel not to proceed with a major ground offensive in Rafah, where over one million Palestinians have sought refuge. The EU warned that such an assault would worsen the already catastrophic humanitarian situation and hinder the provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance.
Truce negotiations, mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, are ongoing in Doha. Israel’s spy chief, David Barnea, is set to travel to Qatar to meet with the mediators. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is on his sixth trip to the region since the conflict began, expressed optimism about the possibility of a deal between Israel and Hamas. The negotiations in Qatar focus on a six-week truce that would facilitate the release of Israeli captives in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians detained in Israeli jails.
The main obstacle in the negotiations is the differing conditions set by Hamas and Israel. Hamas insists on releasing captives only as part of a deal that would end the war, while Israel is only willing to discuss a temporary pause. Despite the challenges, Blinken remains hopeful that an agreement can be reached.
As the Security Council vote approaches and negotiations continue, the international community is watching closely to see if a ceasefire can be achieved in Gaza. The critical situation on the ground calls for urgent action to protect civilians and provide much-needed humanitarian aid.
