US Secretary of State Antony Blinken advocates for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, presenting a draft resolution to the UN Security Council.
USA Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza Strip
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is urging an immediate ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. His country has presented a corresponding resolution to the UN Security Council, marking a shift in policy.
According to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the United States has submitted a draft resolution to the UN Security Council calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Blinken stated to the Saudi Arabian media outlet Al-Hadath that the ceasefire is linked to the release of hostages held in Gaza. He hopes that this will send a strong signal.
At the same time, the Secretary of State emphasized, “Of course, we stand with Israel and support its right to self-defense. At the same time, it is imperative that we address the civilian population in danger and suffering so terribly. They must be given priority by protecting civilians and providing them with humanitarian aid.” These demands are outlined in the proposed resolution, for which no voting date has been set yet.
Is the US, a veto-wielding country, distancing itself from Israel?
This marks a shift in the USA’s stance. In the past, they have exercised their veto power at the UN Security Council on several resolutions calling for immediate ceasefires in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Most recently, in February, the US blocked a resolution introduced by Algeria that called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Since then, US representatives have negotiated an alternate text focusing on supporting diplomatic efforts on the ground for a six-week ceasefire in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages.
Secretary of State Blinken made these statements during a visit to Saudi Arabia, where he held discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on the conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
“Agreement very much possible”
In the interview, Blinken also discussed ongoing negotiations in Qatar for an agreement on a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. It is getting closer. I believe the differences are diminishing, and an agreement is very much possible,” Blinken said regarding the progress of the negotiations.
Following his visit to Saudi Arabia, Blinken traveled to Egypt and Israel. In Cairo, as per the Jordanian Foreign Ministry, he will meet with representatives from Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). For weeks, the US, Qatar, and Egypt have been mediating between Israel and the Islamist group Hamas.