Since Hamas launched the attack on Israel on Oct. 7, the U.S. has been using its veto to reject draft Security Council resolutions demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The U.S. believes that calling for an immediate ceasefire would only jeopardize U.S.-backed talks, brokered by Egypt and Qatar, between Hamas and Israel to reach a hostage deal. Talks remain deadlocked.
But soon after rejecting the latest ceasefire resolution proposed by Algeria in February, the administration of President Joe Biden made a reversal and, for the first time, directly called for "a temporary ceasefire in Gaza as soon as possible."
In the first draft of the proposal, the U.S. only supported a "temporary ceasefire," but now, on its third revision, the administration insists that any Security Council endorsement of a ceasefire must also be contingent on the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. (Related: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls for immediate humanitarian CEASEFIRE in Gaza.)
According to multiple reports, the U.S. now supports an immediate ceasefire of roughly six weeks in Gaza "together with the release of all hostages as soon as the parties agree."
The revised resolution from the U.S. highlights support to "intensify diplomatic and other efforts aimed at creating the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities and lasting peace."
Moreover, the U.S. has communicated its intention to allow time for negotiations on the latest draft and has committed not to rush into a vote. The adoption of the resolution would require at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes from any of the Security Council's five permanent members – the U.S., France, the United Kingdom, Russia and China.
Biden administration: Ceasefire should happen before Ramadan
In a statement on March 5, Biden stated that there could be potential consequences if Israel and Hamas fail to agree on a ceasefire before the beginning of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan on March 11. However, Biden stated in an interview that the fate of a ceasefire deal currently rests in the hands of Hamas.
"It's in the hands of Hamas right now. Israelis have been cooperating. There’s been a rational offer. We will know in a couple of days what’s gonna happen," said Biden. "We need a ceasefire. There’s got to be a ceasefire. If we get to the circumstance that it continues to Ramadan … it's gonna be very dangerous. So, we are trying very, very hard to get a ceasefire."
In the past, the time of Ramadan has often seen increased tensions between Israelis and Palestinians due to the higher number of Muslims visiting the Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound in occupied East Jerusalem, known by Israel as the Temple Mount. The Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound, known as the "Noble Sanctuary," is one of the holiest sites in Islam.
National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said that, given the current situation between Israel and Hamas, the administration is seeking a temporary ceasefire deal.
"What we’re looking for and what we want is a temporary ceasefire for about six weeks that’ll allow us to get more aid in and more importantly, get all those hostages back in their families where they belong, and reduce the violence. That's the deal on the table. And as the President also said today, it’s a rational deal," Kirby said.
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Watch this video from Southfront Press discussing the very costly gains Israel is making in its invasion of Gaza.
This video is from the channel The Prisoner on Brighteon.com.
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