The US Pushes for Ceasefire and Hostage Deal in Gaza
In a significant development, the United States has drafted a new UN security council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken presented the resolution, emphasizing the need for an immediate ceasefire tied to the release of hostages in the region.
However, the draft resolution is more ambiguous about the linkage between the ceasefire and the hostage deal, marking a shift in the US position towards supporting a ceasefire without the need for a specific deal.
Meanwhile, talks on a ceasefire and hostage deal have resumed in Qatar, with the aim of closing gaps between Israel and Hamas positions. The US draft resolution also highlights the importance of delivering humanitarian aid at scale to the Palestinian civilian population in Gaza.
The US has increased pressure on Israel, insisting that Hamas militants must immediately release hostages seized in October attacks. At the same time, 36 countries and UN agencies are discussing how to expedite aid to Gaza via a sea route launched last week.
Delegates are also discussing the operational capacity of the aid initiative and the creation of a fund to coordinate activities. A UN analysis of satellite imagery has found that 35% of buildings in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed during Israel’s offensive, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in the region.
Overall, the US’s efforts to push for a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza mark a crucial step towards addressing the ongoing crisis in the region and providing much-needed aid to the civilian population.
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