The United States announced on Sunday it has requested a UN Security Council vote on its draft resolution backing a plan for an “immediate ceasefire with the release of hostages” between Israel and Hamas.
Diplomatic sources said the vote is planned for Monday but has not yet been confirmed by South Korea, which holds the Security Council presidency for June.
“Today, the United States called for the Security Council to move towards a vote… supporting the proposal on the table,” said Nate Evans, spokesman for the US delegation, without specifying a vote date.
“Council members should not let this opportunity pass by and must speak with one voice in support of this deal,” Evans said.
The United States, a staunch ally of Israel, has been widely criticized for having blocked several UN draft resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
US President Joe Biden on May 31 launched a new push for a ceasefire and hostage release deal, separate from the United Nations.
Under the proposal, Israel would withdraw from Gaza population centers and Hamas would free hostages. The ceasefire would last an initial six weeks, extending it as negotiators seek a permanent end to hostilities.
The United States is placing primary responsibility for accepting the proposal on Hamas, specifically calling on the Palestinian militant group to accept the document in the latest version of the draft text.
In response to requests from several member states, the latest text clearly outlines the proposal.
This also includes the “safe and effective distribution of humanitarian assistance at scale throughout the Gaza Strip to all Palestinian civilians who need it.”
