NEW DELHI: Algeria has submitted a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council, calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of all hostages held by Hamas. The resolution also demands that Israel “immediately halt its military offensive” in Rafah, citing a recent ruling by the International Court of Justice that ordered Israel to stop its military assault in the area.
The move comes in response to an attack on Sunday that killed at least 45 people in a designated humanitarian zone in Rafah, southern Gaza. Israel claimed it had targeted Hamas militants and had not intended to harm civilians.
The security council could vote on the resolution within days, but its passage requires at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes from the US, Britain, France, Russia, or China.
The US has previously shielded Israel by vetoing three draft council resolutions on the war in Gaza, but it has also abstained on three votes, most recently allowing the council in March to demand an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Israel’s ongoing military operation in Gaza is a response to an attack by Hamas militants on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 people and the capture of over 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.
Nearly 130 hostages are believed to still be held captive in Gaza. Israel’s assault on the blockaded Palestinian territory has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, as it seeks to eliminate the last major intact formations of Hamas fighters in Rafah and rescue the hostages.
The move comes in response to an attack on Sunday that killed at least 45 people in a designated humanitarian zone in Rafah, southern Gaza. Israel claimed it had targeted Hamas militants and had not intended to harm civilians.
The security council could vote on the resolution within days, but its passage requires at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes from the US, Britain, France, Russia, or China.
The US has previously shielded Israel by vetoing three draft council resolutions on the war in Gaza, but it has also abstained on three votes, most recently allowing the council in March to demand an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Israel’s ongoing military operation in Gaza is a response to an attack by Hamas militants on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 people and the capture of over 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.
Nearly 130 hostages are believed to still be held captive in Gaza. Israel’s assault on the blockaded Palestinian territory has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, as it seeks to eliminate the last major intact formations of Hamas fighters in Rafah and rescue the hostages.
