In a surprising move, the United States has put forward a draft for a UN Security Council resolution calling for a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The draft also opposes Israel’s planned operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
US president Joe Biden has stood firmly by his support for Israel’s right to defend itself in the wake of Hamas’s brutal attack on 7 October. America has provided Israel with considerable munitions, as well as sent forces to deter attacks by Iran and the Iranian-backed military organisation Hezbollah. They have also thwarted attacks against Israeli targets and and others by the Houthis in Yemen. The US senate also recently approved $14.3 billion (£11.5 billion) in aid to Israel. The president has been clear that he fully supports the destruction of Hamas and restoring safety to Israelis.
Biden is concerned by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which would be exacerbated by an offensive on Rafah
Why, then, are the Americans putting forward a resolution that seems to contradict Israeli interests? The proposal was triggered by another UN resolution put forward by Algeria, which the US had planned to veto today.
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