UN Security Council Endorses Cease-Fire Proposal Amid Ongoing Israel-Hamas Conflict

AMMAN, Jordan —

The United Nations Security Council unanimously endorsed a U.S.-proposed cease-fire plan for Gaza, raising hopes that the eight-month-long war might come to an end. On Tuesday, Hamas presented amendments to Qatari and Egyptian mediators, signaling their willingness to negotiate. However, significant differences remain between Israel and Hamas.

Cease-Fire Proposal Details:

The plan, initially presented by President Biden on May 31, comprises three phases. The first phase includes a six-week cease-fire and the release of 33 Israeli hostages, in exchange for 30 to 50 Palestinian detainees for each hostage. Israeli troops would withdraw from populated parts of the Gaza Strip, allowing displaced civilians to return and increasing humanitarian aid.

During the first phase, negotiations would continue for the second phase, involving a full military withdrawal from Gaza and more hostage exchanges, leading to a permanent cease-fire. The third phase focuses on returning the bodies of hostages who died and starting a multiyear reconstruction program for Gaza.

Negotiations and Amendments:

Hamas’s amendments aim to ensure a complete Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza and a firmer cease-fire timeline. Despite U.S. assurances, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not publicly endorsed the plan, insisting that Israel’s primary goals—destroying Hamas—be achieved first.

Escalation on the Israel-Lebanon Border:

Tensions have also escalated between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group. On Wednesday, Hezbollah fired 215 rockets into northern Israel in retaliation for an Israeli strike that killed senior commander Taleb Abdallah. The conflict could potentially draw other regional actors into a larger war.

U.S. Diplomatic Efforts:

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in Doha with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al Thani, stated that Hamas’s numerous changes to the proposal were partly workable but stressed urgency in closing the deal. Blinken argues that a Gaza cease-fire would help reduce regional tensions, emphasizing a strong diplomatic preference.

Conclusion:

The ongoing diplomatic negotiations and U.S. pressure focus on achieving a cease-fire. However, both sides’ differing demands and the broader regional complexities continue to pose significant challenges to reaching a comprehensive peace agreement.