The US has called on the United Nations Security Council to adopt a resolution that would demand a “temporary ceasefire” in Gaza, as Israel prepares to launch a ground invasion of Rafah, the last stronghold of Hamas in the coastal enclave.
The US, which has been a staunch ally of Israel and has vetoed several previous resolutions critical of its actions, said on Monday night that Israel’s planned assault on Rafah “should not proceed under current circumstances”, as it would endanger the lives of civilians and escalate the conflict.
The draft resolution, which was circulated to the 15-member council, warns that a ground offensive into Rafah, where more than one million Palestinians are sheltering, would have “serious implications for regional peace and security”, and would undermine the efforts to reach a lasting and comprehensive solution to the Israeli-Palestinian issue.
The resolution also calls for the protection of civilians, the respect of international humanitarian law, the facilitation of humanitarian access, and the support of the UN and other mediators to achieve a cessation of hostilities and a political dialogue.
The move by the US reflects a growing rift between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who have clashed over the handling of the Gaza crisis, which has killed more than 29,000 Palestinians and 2000 Israelis since October 7.
Biden, who has expressed his support for Israel’s right to self-defense, has also urged Netanyahu to de-escalate the situation and to pursue a diplomatic path to end the violence. Biden has also expressed his concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and has pledged to provide additional aid to the Palestinians.
Netanyahu, however, has rejected Biden’s appeals, and has vowed to continue the military operation until Hamas is “significantly weakened” and its rocket fire is stopped. Netanyahu has also accused Biden and other Western leaders of “interfering” in Israel’s internal affairs, and of “rewarding” Hamas for its aggression.
Netanyahu has also defended his decision to invade Rafah, which is the largest and most densely populated city in Gaza, and the main base of Hamas’ political and military leadership. Netanyahu has said that Rafah is a “terrorist stronghold” that poses a “strategic threat” to Israel, and that the invasion is necessary to destroy Hamas’ tunnels, weapons, and infrastructure.
The Most Dangerous Phase of War
The invasion of Rafah, which is expected to begin in the coming days, would mark the most intense and risky phase of the Gaza war, which has already seen the heaviest Israeli airstrikes and Hamas rocket barrages since the 2014 conflict.
The invasion would also likely trigger a fierce and bloody resistance from Hamas and other militant groups, who have vowed to fight until the end. The invasion would also expose the Israeli soldiers to the risk of ambushes, booby traps, and sniper fire, as well as the possibility of being captured or killed.
The invasion would also have a devastating impact on the civilian population of Rafah, who are already suffering from the lack of food, water, electricity, and medical supplies, and who have nowhere to flee from the Israeli bombardment. The invasion would also increase the risk of a humanitarian catastrophe, as the UN and other aid agencies have warned that Gaza is on the brink of collapse.
The invasion would also have a negative effect on the regional and international situation, as it would inflame the anger and resentment of the Arab and Muslim world, and would undermine the credibility and influence of the US and its allies. The invasion would also jeopardize the prospects of a peaceful and negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and would fuel the cycle of violence and hatred that has plagued the region for decades.
