US circulates Gaza truce resolution at UN, Israel objects privately

The United States has proposed a revised Security Council draft resolution emphasizing that a permanent ceasefire in Gaza must be mutually agreed upon by Israel and Hamas. This draft outlines a three-phase strategy aimed at concluding the eight-month conflict and initiating the reconstruction of Gaza. According to the plan, all Israeli hostages in Gaza would be released, and Israeli forces would withdraw from the region, contingent on both parties agreeing to a permanent ceasefire.

However, Israel has raised objections to this proposal. An anonymous Israeli official expressed concerns that the resolution does not align with Israel’s objective of dismantling Hamas as a military entity. Israel fears that Hamas might continue its military activities in the future, making it reluctant to commit to a permanent ceasefire as opposed to a “cessation of hostilities,” which is perceived as a less binding term.

Additionally, Israel objects to the clause in the draft that opposes any demographic or territorial changes in Gaza, including the establishment of buffer zones, which Israel has indicated it intends to implement.

There is internal political tension in Israel, with far-right members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition threatening to destabilize the government if a ceasefire deal is signed.

U.S. officials report constructive talks with Egyptian and Qatari mediators, who expect Hamas to formally respond to the ceasefire and hostage exchange offer soon. While Hamas has shown a positive initial reaction, it demands a clear commitment from Israel to the agreement.

The proposal has garnered international support, with leaders from Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States endorsing the deal.