Russia and China, both with veto power in the UN Security Council, expressed their concerns about the US draft resolution aimed at ending President Joe Biden's proposal for a cease-fire between Israel and the Palestinian extremists "Hamas", Reuters and News.bg report.
The bill, which aims to end the ongoing conflict, did not find unanimous support. Algeria, the only Arab representative in the Council, is also hesitant to support the proposal, according to diplomatic sources.
In order for the resolution to be adopted, a minimum of nine votes “for“ and no vetoes by the council's five permanent members, including the US, France, the UK, China and Russia.
President Biden's strategy, unveiled a week ago, outlines a three-phase approach to achieving peace in Gaza, initially described as an Israeli initiative.
The US is actively seeking global support for this plan, which Hamas is currently revising. A draft resolution was shared with the 15-member UN Security Council earlier this week, with a revised version following shortly after. The proposal calls for an immediate and complete ceasefire in Gaza as a first step leading to a permanent cessation of hostilities by mutual consent in the second phase.
However, some council members are skeptical of Israel's acceptance of the plan and are advocating a return to the previous demand for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages.
Russia proposed changes to the US draft, including a call for Hamas and Israel to agree to a cease-fire and ensure that it is immediate, unconditional and respected by all parties involved.
Moscow has stressed that the phase one ceasefire should remain in place while negotiations on the second phase are underway, in line with recent comments by President Biden.
Efforts to mediate a ceasefire have been ongoing for months, with the US, Egypt and Qatar playing key roles.
Hamas has expressed its desire for a final end to the conflict and Israel's withdrawal from Gaza.
The situation remains tense, with international peace efforts continuing amid ongoing violence and a humanitarian crisis.