The United States is planning to propose a draft resolution for a Gaza ceasefire to the United Nations Security Council in a surprising shift in policy. This move by the Biden administration comes as a significant departure from their previous stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Previously, the U.S. has been hesitant to support ceasefire resolutions at the UN, but the new draft represents a subtle change in their official attitude towards the conflict. The text of the draft highlights the potential negative impact of a large-scale ground attack on the Rafah Strip in southern Gaza, emphasizing the harm it would cause to civilians and the potential for a refugee crisis.
The proposed resolution would require at least 9 votes in favor from the 15 Security Council members to pass, and none of the five permanent members, including the United States, can use their veto power. This indicates that the outcome of the vote could be heavily influenced by the Biden administration’s diplomatic efforts.
The move to support a ceasefire at the UN comes as President Biden has expressed his desire for Israel to avoid a large-scale ground invasion, in order to allow for ongoing hostage negotiations. However, Israel has indicated that they are prepared to escalate the conflict if their hostages are not returned during the upcoming Ramadan.
The change in the U.S. government’s position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has led to speculation that it may be driven by campaign pressure, particularly to win support in key swing states with large Muslim populations. Observers have suggested that the Biden administration’s shift in policy could be an attempt to court votes in these areas, such as Dearborn, Michigan.
It remains to be seen how the proposed draft resolution will be received at the United Nations, and whether it will succeed in gaining the necessary support to pass. The outcome of the vote could have significant implications for the ongoing conflict and the region as a whole.