US seeks swift vote on new UN resolution urging ‘immediate and sustained ceasefire’ in Gaza

UNITED NATIONS – The United States is seeking a swift vote on a newly revised and tougher UN Security Council resolution demanding “an immediate and sustained ceasefire” in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza to protect civilians and enable humanitarian aid deliveries for more than 2 million hungry Palestinians.

The draft resolution obtained by The Associated Press also “unequivocally supports ongoing international diplomatic efforts to secure such a ceasefire in connection with the release of all remaining hostages.”

The previous US draft would have unequivocally supported diplomatic efforts “to establish an immediate and sustained ceasefire as part of a deal that releases the hostages.”

It was not widely supported in the 15-member council, where 13 members had voted in favor of an Arab-backed resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza that the US vetoed on February 20.

The new US draft states in strong language that the Security Council “determines the imperative of an immediate and sustained ceasefire,” while changing the language calling for the release of hostages taken during Hamas’s surprise terror attack against Israel on October 7.

US Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood tells reporters who ask when a vote will take place, “We would like to do it as soon as possible… maybe before the end of the week.”

“We think it is a good text. Everyone should be able to get behind it,” Wood says. “And we’re going to continue to work to the last minute to make sure that we get as many votes as possible.”

Meanwhile, the 10 elected members of the Security Council have been drafting their own resolution that would demand an immediate humanitarian ceasefire for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan which began March 10 “respected by all parties leading to a permanent sustainable ceasefire.” It also demands “the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.”

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.