New York, 25 March 2024 (TDI): A new ceasefire draft, to halt the hostilities in Gaza, is expected to be introduced on Monday, 25th March 2024 in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
An expected vote on the said ceasefire draft has been postponed, initially scheduled to be presented today.
The new Gaza ceasefire draft resolution was formulated after the preceding US-led draft resolution was double vetoed by Russia and China on 22nd March 2024.
Deficiencies of the US-lead draft
The draft introduced by the US has been proclaimed deficient in demanding an “immediate ceasefire” from its military and diplomatic ally, Israel.
On the other hand, the technical semantics mentioning “the imperative of an immediate and sustained ceasefire” have been employed.
Likewise, the draft was also opposed by the Arab states as it stopped short of explicitly demanding an immediate ceasefire further leading to permanent cessation of hostilities.
Also Read: Ambassador Zhang Jun condemns US veto on Gaza resolution
Diplomatic Response and Expectations
The expected ceasefire draft is succinct yet tougher in language and is delayed to allow further discussion to reach a stage where it shall be respected by all parties in the UNSC.
According to eight out of ten non-permanent members, the draft demands not only an immediate, sustained ceasefire leading to a permanent end to hostilities.
It further reiterates the “immediate and unconditional” release of hostages and the lifting of “all barriers” to humanitarian aid flowing into Gaza.
“We as (the) Arab Group unanimously endorse and support the (new) draft resolution,” said Palestinian Permanent Representative to the UN Riyad Mansour.
He has also denounced the US-led text as biased.
However, opposition to the new draft has been indicated by the US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
She believes that the new resolution would jeopardize the ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure the release of hostages.
“In its current form, that text fails to support sensitive diplomacy in the region. Worse, it could give Hamas an excuse to walk away from the deal on the table,” she said.
Coincidently, the United States gave the same reason before vetoing previous ceasefire resolutions related to Gaza.
Alternatively, the Chinese representative to the Security Council, Zhang Jun, criticized the US response.
“If the US is serious about a ceasefire, then please vote in favor of the other draft resolution, clearly calling for a ceasefire,” he suggested.
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