According to several media reports, the United States is now said to have formulated its own resolution to the UN Security Council regarding a temporary ceasefire in Gaza.
– This is an incredibly large swing from the US, if this is true, says TV4’s Middle East correspondent Terese Cristiansson, who is on the ground in Israel.
The United States has previously vetoed a ceasefire resolution on two occasions, despite international pressure.
But according to several media reports, the US has now changed its mind, says Terese Cristiansson.
– It has also been confirmed by several other media that there is a resolution underway from the US and that they want an immediate temporary ceasefire, plus that you should not enter Rafah, she says.
Calls for a truce
Among other things, it is the news agency AP which reports that the US is now proposing a resolution of its own. In a document obtained by the AP, the United States calls for a temporary ceasefire as soon as possible – on the condition that all hostages taken by terror-labeled Hamas in the October 7 attack on Israel be released, and that all restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian aid be lifted.
– It comes as big news. But we don’t know if or when there will be a vote on this in the Security Council, says Cristiansson.
– Today there is also another vote on the resolution Algeria has put forward regarding an immediate ceasefire, where the US has previously signaled that they will veto it.
Desperate situation
Over a million people from northern and central Gaza have taken refuge at the border town of Rafah near the Egyptian border and the situation on the ground is desperate, according to Cristiansson.
– There is a lack of food and diseases have started to spread. There have been airstrikes there as well and many have lost family members or have injured family members. The situation is extremely difficult, she says.
Israel has previously threatened a ground offensive in Rafah, which has been criticized by several countries, including the United States, which calls on Israel to first ensure that civilians in the area are protected.
– All aid organizations and even countries are raising the alarm that there would be a bloodbath because there is no way to protect yourself as a civilian Gazan, says Cristiansson.