The United States has submitted a new draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council, calling for an immediate cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza tied to a hostage release. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the suffering of civilians in Gaza, particularly women and children.
Blinken urged the international community to support the resolution, which aims to bring relief to those affected by the conflict and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance. He emphasized the need for a lasting ceasefire and expressed hope that countries would rally behind the proposal.
During his visit to Saudi Arabia, Blinken reiterated the U.S.'s support for Israel's right to self-defense while emphasizing the importance of protecting civilians and providing humanitarian aid. He called for increased access points to Gaza to ensure the efficient delivery of assistance to those in need.
Blinken confirmed that President Biden has engaged with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address the situation in Rafah. He underscored the U.S.'s opposition to a major ground military operation in the area due to the significant civilian population at risk.
As part of his diplomatic efforts, Blinken is set to visit Egypt and Israel to further engage with regional stakeholders and explore alternative approaches to addressing the conflict. The U.S. is working closely with Qatar and Egypt to advance the proposed cease-fire resolution and bring an end to the violence in Gaza.
