In an effort to address the escalating violence in the Israel-Hamas conflict, the United States has put forward an alternative draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council. The draft resolution aims to establish a temporary ceasefire and prevent a major Israeli ground offensive in Rafah, southern Gaza.

The text of the draft resolution reflects conversations between President Joe Biden and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing the potential harm to civilians and further displacement that would result from a ground offensive in Rafah. With over 1 million Palestinians seeking shelter in Rafah, international concern has been raised over the possibility of worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The U.S. proposal highlights the serious implications a major ground offensive would have on regional peace and security. Despite the urgency of the situation, it remains unclear when or if the draft resolution will be put to a vote in the 15-member council.

Algeria had previously requested a vote on its draft resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, but U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield signaled a potential veto. The U.S. has historically shielded Israel from U.N. action and has twice vetoed resolutions related to the conflict.

The draft U.S. resolution also condemns calls for Jewish settlers to move to Gaza and rejects any attempts at demographic or territorial change that violate international law. Addressing the ongoing crisis in Gaza, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and aid chief Martin Griffith have both called for a humanitarian ceasefire to prevent further loss of life.

With negotiations ongoing to secure a pause in the conflict and the release of hostages held by Hamas, the international community remains closely engaged in efforts to bring an end to the violence in the region.