US propose ceasefire resolution as Gaza conflict rages
By Nathan Morley
The United States has proposed a draft resolution at the UN Security Council calling for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza.
In the past, Washington has avoided the using word ‘ceasefire’ during UN votes on the conflict.
Furthermore, this marks the first time the United States has called for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, having vetoed earlier resolutions using the same word.
Reports suggest talks will start on the US draft later this week, but it is not clear if the proposal will be put to a vote.
On Monday, twenty-six member states of the European Union called for an immediate humanitarian pause that would lead to a sustainable ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Planned assault on Rafah
At a gathering of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, all EU countries - except Hungary - cautioned Israel against launching an assault on Rafah, which they said would heighten the plight of refugees in the city.
Israel’s plans for an attack there have sounded international alarm bells, with many countries urging control.
Red Sea crisis
In a related regional development, Yemen's Houthi group has warned the European Union not to join the coalition of the United States and Britain in the Red Sea.
On Monday, Brussels said it commenced a naval mission in the Red Sea to protect shipping as vessels continued to be subjected to Houthi attacks.
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