US calls for vote Friday on UN resolution declaring that immediate Gaza cease-fire is imperative'
Source: Associated Press
BY EDITH M. LEDERER
Updated 4:39 PM PDT, March 21, 2024
UNITED NATIONS (AP) The United States called for a vote Friday on a newly revised and tougher U.N. resolution declaring that an immediate and sustained cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza is imperative to protect civilians and enable humanitarian aid to be delivered to more than 2 million hungry Palestinians.
In the previous draft, the Security Council did not make such a declaration. Instead, it would have supported international efforts for a cease-fire as part of a hostage deal.
The new draft obtained Thursday by The Associated Press determines which is a council order the imperative of an immediate and sustained cease-fire, with no direct link to the release of hostages taken during Hamas surprise attack in Israel on Oct. 7. But toward that end it would unequivocally support diplomatic efforts to secure such a cease-fire in connection with the release of all remaining hostages.
After the 15 Security Council members met behind closed doors Thursday afternoon to discuss Gaza, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said when asked if the U.S. draft would be adopted: I am optimistic. Thats why it took us so long, because we worked so hard.
Read more: https://apnews.com/article/us-un-gaza-resolution-vote-ceasefire-civilians-cce778b676cb52210dcc46630bd94060