ALBAWABA - The United States said on Sunday that it has called on the UN Security Council to vote on a proposed three-phase cease-fire for Gaza.
The US delegation to the UN's spokesperson, Nate Evans, stated that the request had been forwarded to the Security Council. President Joe Biden first unveiled the plan, which was drafted by Israel.
UN sources said that in the start of the week, the vote may be added to the Security Council's agenda. "Israel has accepted this proposal and the Security Council has an opportunity to speak with one voice and call on Hamas to do the same," Evans stated.
"As we have repeatedly emphasized, implementation of this deal would enable an immediate cease-fire, the release of hostages, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas in its first phase, an immediate surge in humanitarian assistance and restoration of basic services, and the return of Palestinian civilians to northern Gaza, together with a roadmap for ending the crisis altogether and a multi-year internationally backed reconstruction plan," he added.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Cairo for discussions with President Abdel Fattah El-Sissi of Egypt. He will next go to Israel to meet with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The cease-fire proposal, calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the release of some hostages from Gaza, and the release of Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel.
Additionally, an increase in humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from populated areas of Gaza, and the repatriation of Palestinian civilians to their homes and neighborhoods has been accepted by Israel, according to U.S. officials.
Al-Aqsa Flood operation against Israel
Hamas military group announced on Oct. 7 a military operation called "Al-Aqsa Flood" against Israel which is the biggest offensive in decades.
Palestinian fighters “infiltrated” Israel from the Gaza Strip and captured military bases and took hostages as photos and videos went viral online showing Hamas fighters on vehicles inside Israel and others paragliding into occupation territory.
In response, Israeli armed forces announced targeting Hamas positions inside the Gaza Strip. Thousands were killed, and dozens of thousands of others were injured in the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip.
The latest statistics by the Ministry of Health in Gaza revealed that the death toll from Israeli brutal pounding on the Gaza Strip since October 7 has soared to 37,084+ people, with more than 84,494+ injuries.
Since then, approximately 85% of Gazans have been displaced, all of whom are suffering from severe food insecurity, and the healthcare system has collapsed. Hundreds of thousands of people lack shelter, and aid trucks are entering the area at a lower rate than before the conflict began.
