The United States has drafted a new United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an “immediate ceasefire” and hostage deal in Gaza, signalling a potential shift in its position amid mounting pressure on Israel to halt its military campaign and allow humanitarian aid into the Palestinian territory.
The wording of the draft resolution, seen by the Guardian, states that an “immediate and sustained ceasefire” is “imperative” and that “towards that end” unequivocal support should be given to hostage negotiations. A European diplomat at the UN described the phrase “towards that end” as showing significant movement, suggesting a ceasefire is no longer contingent on a specific deal.
The development comes as CIA and Mossad chiefs William Burns and David Barnea were expected to arrive in Qatar on Friday to pursue a truce-for-hostages agreement between Israel and Hamas. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking in Egypt, said difficult work remained but expressed belief that a deal is possible.
Blinken characterised the UN resolution as calling for “an immediate ceasefire tied to the release of hostages.” However, if talks in Doha fail, the Biden administration faces a dilemma over maintaining that linkage, especially after a UN panel warned this week that catastrophic famine in Gaza is imminent.
The shift in US language also increases pressure on Israel, which has insisted on a new offensive in Rafah despite strong US objections. Blinken reiterated US opposition, calling such an operation “a mistake” and “not necessary to deal with Hamas.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to press ahead, holding a call with Republican senators and receiving an invitation from House Speaker Mike Johnson to address Congress.
