The United Nations Security Council is expected to pass a U.S.-drafted cease-fire deal aimed at ending the violent conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. President Joe Biden played a role in finalizing the proposal after a week of negotiations among council members. The resolution needs at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes from powerful countries like the U.S., France, Britain, China, or Russia for it to pass. Both Russia and China are not expected to block the proposal, unlike previous resolutions that were vetoed.
In March, China and Russia vetoed a Gaza ceasefire resolution, fearing it would allow Israel to attack the city of Rafah. Prior to that, the U.S. vetoed three draft resolutions demanding an immediate cease-fire. President Biden announced a three-part plan proposed by Israel for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas since October. More than 36,000 Palestinians, including women and children, have been killed by Israeli forces since the conflict began.
There are concerns that Israel may not support the proposed cease-fire deal after a dramatic hostage rescue strengthened Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s resolve to continue the Gaza invasion. Hamas military leader Yahya Sinwar, who has resisted making a deal with Israel, could take a harder stance after the rescue. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is landing in Israel to address the situation and try to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
Former Gen. Benny Gantz, who resigned from Israel’s war Cabinet, accused Netanyahu of mismanaging the conflict and refusing to agree on the future of Gaza. The Biden administration had tried to persuade Gantz to stay in the government to prevent a lean towards far-right members who oppose a cease-fire. Blinken warned that without a cease-fire, Israel could be forced to stay in Gaza, leading to a major insurgency or the return of Hamas.
Blinken emphasized the need for a plan to prevent chaos, lawlessness, and the resurgence of jihadist groups in Gaza in the absence of a cease-fire. He urged Israel to make decisions about its government and to work towards a resolution to end the conflict with Hamas. The Security Council’s vote on the cease-fire proposal will be crucial in determining the next steps in the conflict and the potential for peace in the region.
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