US drops UNSC resolution’s rejection of IDF buffer zone in Gaza ahead of Monday vote

The US has circulated another amended version of its Security Council resolution in support of Israel’s latest hostage-ceasefire deal proposal ahead of tomorrow’s expected vote.

The draft obtained by The Times of Israel has removed a clause that stressed opposition to the establishment of security buffer zones in Gaza following pushback from Israel.

Israel months ago began work on a security buffer zone on the Gazan side of its southern border, which some of its officials have insisted is temporary. The move has been condemned by the US, but a senior Israeli official told The Times of Israel earlier this year that Washington’s opposition hasn’t been as fierce behind closed doors.

The latest text still includes a clause rejecting “any attempt at demographic or territorial change in the Gaza Strip, including any actions that reduce the territory of Gaza.”

The new draft also now includes the critical “clause 14” of Israel’s hostage deal proposal, which states that phase one’s six-week ceasefire can be extended as long as the talks between the parties during this stage — aimed at finalizing the terms of phase two — are ongoing.

Additionally, the new draft more clearly states that Israel “accepted” the latest hostage deal proposal, as opposed to the previous version’s text, which said that the most recent offer “is acceptable to Israel.”

US has circulated another amended version of its UNSC resolution in support of Israel's latest ceasefire proposal ahead of tomorrow's expected vote

Clause stressing opposition to establishment of security buffer zones in Gaza has been removed following pushback from Israel (1/5) pic.twitter.com/jyoFfiMKX2

— Jacob Magid (@JacobMagid) June 10, 2024