The United States has introduced a draft resolution at the UN Security Council, calling for an “immediate ceasefire linked to the release of hostages” in the Gaza Strip, in a bid to address the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas amid a starvation crisis, according to the Secretary of state Antony Blinken, on Wednesday.
“Well, in fact, we actually have a resolution that we put forward right now that’s before the United Nations Security Council that does call for an immediate ceasefire tied to the release of hostages, and we hope very much that countries will support that,” he said.
When discussing the resolution with the Journalist Christiane Baissary of Saudi media Al Hadath, Blinken underscored the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of civilians caught in the crossfire.
If passed, the proposed resolution seeks to ease the humanitarian emergency in Gaza while facilitating the delivery of aid to the besieged region. In this context, the diplomat stated, “What’s so important is to get as much assistance into Gaza by as many means as possible.”
He also added that a port which can accommodate as much assistance as possible is being built, adding, “I think in a matter of weeks, hopefully, that will be done.”
Despite previous setbacks, including U.S. veto actions against ceasefire resolutions, diplomatic efforts persist to secure a lasting truce.
Parallel negotiations are underway in Qatar, involving international mediators such as the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, in a renewed push to broker a ceasefire agreement.
Blinken expressed cautious optimism about the progress made during these talks, acknowledging the challenges posed by Hamas’ reluctance to accept certain terms.
“It’s getting closer. I think the gaps are narrowing, and I think an agreement is very much possible . . . if Hamas cares at all about the people it purports to represent, it would reach an agreement, because that would have the immediate effect of a ceasefire, alleviating the tremendous suffering of people, bringing more humanitarian assistance in, and then giving us the possibility of having something more lasting,” he revealed.
The toll of the conflict continues to mount, with the latest reports indicating a rising death toll, reaching 31,988 deaths and 74,188 wounded, along with widespread destruction in Gaza and a famine amid the holy month of Ramadan.