The Biden administration is planning to bring the aim of a temporary cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict to the UN Security Council as soon as Tuesday.
According to reports, the administration has put forward a draft UN Security Council resolution that includes a temporary cease-fire and urges Israel to refrain from entering Rafah in the Gaza Strip.
The United States has proposed a resolution at the United Nations, calling for a ceasefire and opposing Israeli military action in the city of Rafah. According to Reuters, the resolution argues that a major ground offensive into Rafah, currently a stronghold for Hamas terrorists and hostages, could lead to further harm to civilians and their displacement, potentially into neighboring countries.
The move has sparked criticism, particularly from Richard Goldberg, a former National Security Council (NSC) official during the Trump administration. Speaking to Fox News Digital, Goldberg expressed his disapproval, stating, “The United States should be vetoing pro-Hamas resolutions, not proposing them.” He argued that the resolution effectively supports Hamas and goes against US interests and values.
An anonymous senior administration official told Reuters, “We don’t believe a rush to a vote is necessary or constructive and intend on allowing time for negotiations.”
President Biden, during a press conference, expressed his hope that Israel would refrain from a massive land invasion into Rafah. He revealed that he had engaged with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the matter and advocated for a temporary ceasefire to facilitate hostage negotiations.
Benny Gantz, an Israeli security cabinet member and opposition leader, emphasized the importance of the upcoming Ramadan deadline for the release of hostages. Gantz warned, “The world must know, and Hamas leaders must know if our hostages are not home by Ramadan, the fighting will continue and expand to Rafah.”
Israel’s Independent Decision
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant asserted that the decision on Rafah would be made independently by Israel. He noted the progress made in dismantling regional battalions in Gaza and highlighted Rafah as the next center of gravity for Hamas.
The US State Department stressed the need for a credible and executable plan before a full-scale Israeli military operation in Rafah, emphasizing the safety and support for the over 1 million people sheltering there. The department reiterated its commitment to a two-state solution for lasting peace in the region.
Yigal Carmon, a former colonel in Israel’s military intelligence service, highlighted the significance of seizing Rafah to limit war escalation. He urged the US to pressure Egypt to fulfill its commitment to stop smuggling operations.
Critics, including Goldberg, questioned the motives behind President Biden’s pressure on Israel. Speculation arose that it could be related to political considerations, including winning over the American-Muslim vote in the critical swing state of Dearborn, Michigan, in the 2024 reelection campaign.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu called for pressure on Qatar to influence Hamas, stating, “Qatar can press Hamas as no one else can. They host Hamas leaders. Hamas is dependent on them financially.”
As tensions escalate, the US Mission to the UN has yet to respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment on the situation. The international community closely watches the unfolding events and the diplomatic dynamics surrounding the proposed resolution and potential military action in Rafah.
