On Monday, June 3, the United States presented an amended draft resolution to the UN Security Council in support of US President Joe Biden’s ceasefire proposal. Unlike the previous version, the new draft calls on both sides of the conflict to “fully, without delay and without conditions” implement the proposals for the deal. However, one of the problematic points for Israel is that the new version excludes the creation of a buffer zone in the Gaza Strip. This opposition is primarily due to two problematic points within the resolution. According to reports from Israeli media outlets, Jerusalem disagrees with this resolution because it contradicts an offer that Israel had made to Hamas. Israel had proposed a complete stop to hostilities in exchange for hostage release, but this was not addressed in the new version of the resolution.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been vocal in his opposition to any measures that would allow Hamas control over Gaza or pave way for its military expansion. The lack of a buffer zone in Gaza is seen as a direct threat to Israeli security and peace efforts in the region. Despite this opposition from Jerusalem and other countries, US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield urged all members of the Security Council to join leaders and governments around the world who have endorsed Biden’s plan for peace in Gaza. It remains unclear whether these efforts will succeed in bringing an end to ongoing violence between Israel and Hamas or if further negotiations are necessary before any lasting peace can be achieved.
