Biden Calls For Gaza Ceasefire

As part of its efforts to limit Benjamin Netanyahu’s power, the US has put up a possible resolution to the UN Security Council requesting a temporary truce in Gaza. The proposed resolution calls for the temporary ceasefire as soon as” practicable,” but no specific date is specified. The United States has always avoided using the term “ceasefire” in any United Nations resolution concerning Israel’s fight with Hamas, an ally of Washington’s. The 15-member Security Council has not yet decided when or whether to vote on the proposed United States resolution.

U.S. President Joe Biden’s remarks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week are mirrored in the draft resolution. Biden told reporters he feels very strongly about it, that there has to be a temporary ceasefire to get the prisoners out and to get the hostages out.

After Algeria asked the council to vote on a different item on Tuesday, the United States proposed the draft resolution as a substitute. An immediate humanitarian ceasefire would be required under Algeria’s proposal. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield has already signaled a U.S. rejection of the Algerian resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire.

In addition to demanding the immediate return of all Israeli captives abducted by the terrorist group Hamas on October 7, the United States has proposed a resolution that would remove all obstacles to the distribution of humanitarian goods. As previously requested in a resolution passed by the Security Council on December 22, the draft resolution states that such measures would contribute to establishing circumstances for a lasting end to hostilities.

Under the present conditions, Israel should not launch its planned massive ground attack into the southern Gaza city of Rafah, according to the draft resolution. The report expresses grave concern about the possible consequences for regional peace and security if populations are displaced further, perhaps into neighboring countries like Egypt. Additionally, the proposed American language would denounce the demands of some ministers in the Israeli government that Jewish residents relocate to Gaza.

The president does not think Netanyahu’s leadership has been ‘positive’ for Israel, according to Biden’s friend and Democratic congressman Jim Clyburn. The president’s inner circle has informed NBC News that Biden believes Netanyahu is “giving him hell” over the peace talks.