Conflict in the Middle East region - United States Calls for UN Voting Session on Ceasefire in Gaza Strip
The U.S. is seeking a UN Security Council vote on a proposed ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, coupled with the release of Hamas-held hostages in the Gaza Strip. The Security Council should endorse "the plan on the table," according to Nate Evans, a spokesperson for the U.S. mission to the UN. A vote is anticipated on Monday.
President Biden proposed a three-stage strategy in late May to transition from a temporary ceasefire to an end of hostilities in the Gaza Strip. It encompasses an "immediate and complete" ceasefire, the exchange of Hamas-detained hostages for Palestinian prisoners, the Israeli army's withdrawal from densely populated Gaza Strip areas, and the provision of humanitarian aid.
U.S. vetoed previous ceasefire resolutions
Evans emphasized that the Security Council shouldn't "pass up this chance" and should "categorically back" the deal. Historically, the U.S. has impeded numerous resolutions urging a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip by exercising its veto power.
The U.S.-drafted resolution outlines that Israel has already accepted the plan. Hamas is encouraged to endorse it. Both sides must fulfill all steps "promptly and unconditionally."
Gaza Strip: 116 hostages allegedly held by Hamas
The conflict in Gaza ignited when Hamas launched a massive assault on Israel on October 7th, resulting in 1,194 deaths and 251 abducted individuals, per Israeli figures. Around 116 hostages are thought to still be in Hamas custody, with 41 of them purportedly deceased, assert the Israeli military.
Following the onslaught by Hamas, Israel has been launching a large-scale military operation in the Gaza Strip. The Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip's health ministry—whose data cannot be independently corroborated—reported more than 37,000 fatalities.
