March 15, 2024 (EIRNS)—The U.S. is circulating a draft resolution at the UN Security Council that support international efforts to establish “an immediate and sustained ceasefire” in the Israel-Hamas war as part of a deal to release hostages taken captive during Hamas’ surprise attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, AP reported overnight, last night. According to the AP report, this is the final draft of a proposed resolution which initially was put forward on Feb. 19, the day before the U.S. vetoed an Arab-backed resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire. The U.S. claimed that they had to veto the resolution, as it would interfere with negotiations on a deal to free the hostages.
The final draft “unequivocally supports international diplomatic efforts to establish an immediate and sustained cease-fire as part of a deal that releases the hostages, and that allows the basis for a more durable peace to alleviate humanitarian suffering.” Of some note, the ceasefire is no longer “temporary,” but “sustained.” It also says that “the window of opportunity created by any cease-fire” should be used to intensify diplomatic efforts to create conditions “for a sustainable cessation of hostilities and lasting peace.”
