US Turns To UN For Ceasefire Resolution

GAZA STRIP: The United States has stepped up pressure for a Gaza ceasefire with a call for a UN Security Council vote on a truce as it redeployed Washington’s top diplomat to the region scarred by eight months of war.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s regional tour was preceded by further bombardment of Gaza by Israeli forces, with witnesses reporting overnight strikes in the centre of the strip and helicopter gunfire on ravaged Gaza City.

Washington sought to bring a ceasefire closer by tabling a draft resolution at the United Nations yesterday, calling for an “immediate ceasefire with the release of hostages” between Israel and Hamas.

“Council members should not let this opportunity pass by and must speak with one voice in support of this deal,” said US spokesman Nate Evans said.

The US has been widely criticised for having blocked several earlier UN draft resolutions calling for a halt to the fighting.

A new push for a deal by President Joe Biden on May 31, separate from the UN, has so far failed to produce tangible results, while further doubts have been cast on a truce by the Israeli special forces’ raid to free four hostages.

With no breakthrough in sight, Blinken is to visit Egypt, Israel, Jordan and Qatar during his eighth regional tour since the war erupted.

“The only thing standing in the way of achieving this ceasefire is Hamas. It is time for them to accept the deal,” he said.

Hamas has insisted on a permanent truce and full Israeli withdrawal from all parts of Gaza — demands that Israel has firmly rejected.