UN Endorses Urgent Gaza Ceasefire - Backed by US Efforts

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 A U.S.-backed U.N. Security Council draft resolution that supports diplomatic efforts for an immediate Gaza ceasefire in exchange for the release of all hostages held by Hamas was reportedly circulated Thursday, as Hamas issued its ceasefire proposal.


 According to the Associated Press, the latest draft of the U.S.-backed resolution “unequivocally supports international diplomatic efforts to establish an immediate and sustained cease-fire as part of a deal that releases the hostages.”

This is an update from an earlier version of the draft, which called for a “temporary” ceasefire linked to several conditions, including releasing all hostages and unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The U.S.-backed measure suggests “the window of opportunity” emerging from a ceasefire should be used for dialogue to enable a more permanent “cessation of hostilities and lasting peace.”

The AP report added that this was the fifth version of the draft, and it has been marked “in blue,” which means it is ready to be voted on, although no time frame has been set for a vote.

The original draft of the resolution also included a warning for Israel, saying its planned ground offensive into Rafah—the town near Gaza’s southern border where millions have taken refuge—should not take place “under current circumstances,” as it “would have serious implications for regional peace and security.” The latest draft reportedly removes that section entirely and replaces it with a line expressing concern that a Rafah offensive would “result in further harm to civilians,” displace them into neighboring countries and impact regional peace.

According to Reuters, Hamas has floated its proposal for a ceasefire to international mediators and the U.S., offering to release hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails—including individuals serving life sentences. Under the proposal, Hamas would initially release women, children, elderly and ill hostages in exchange for Israel freeing between 700-1000 Palestinian prisoners. The Hamas release offer also includes Israeli female combatants, the report added. The proposal suggests a date for a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza would be decided after the first exchange, and all remaining hostages would be released after that. Israeli officials have dismissed the proposal, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office telling Reuters they were “unrealistic demands.” The report adds that an update on the proposal will be presented to Israel’s war cabinet on Friday.

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