In a significant step towards resolving the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the United Nations Security Council has drafted a resolution for a cease-fire. The draft, which was finalized on Sunday, received approval from President Joe Biden. The resolution required at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes from key countries such as the United States, France, Britain, China, or Russia, which have the power to reject any cease-fire proposals.

It is worth noting that this is not the first attempt at reaching a cease-fire agreement. Back in March, China and Russia vetoed a Gaza cease-fire resolution, expressing concerns that it would provide Israel with the opportunity to attack the city of Rafah. Prior to that, the United States had vetoed three draft resolutions, two of which called for an immediate cease-fire.

President Biden recently announced that Israel had proposed a three-part plan aimed at achieving a permanent cease-fire in Gaza. Additionally, the plan includes the release of all hostages held since October 7, 2021, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel. According to Gaza health authorities, more than 36,000 Palestinians, including women and children, have lost their lives since the conflict began.

The U.S. mission to the United Nations emphasized the importance of pressuring Hamas to agree to the proposal that Israel has accepted. Nate Evans, the spokesperson for the mission, called for unity among Security Council members, saying, "Israel has accepted this proposal and the Security Council has an opportunity to speak with one voice and call on Hamas to do the same."

However, there are indications that Israel may not be fully onboard with the proposal. A senior Biden administration official revealed that the recent rescue of four hostages over the weekend has strengthened Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's determination to continue with the Gaza invasion, rather than accepting a cease-fire.

Coinciding with the Security Council voting process, Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel for scheduled meetings. The Biden administration has been actively trying to persuade retired Gen. Benny Gantz to remain in the government, as his departure could push Netanyahu to rely more heavily on far-right coalition members who oppose any cease-fire with Hamas.

Addressing reporters in Cairo before his departure, Secretary Blinken emphasized that the decision on who will be in the Israeli government lies with the Israelis themselves. However, he warned that the absence of a cease-fire in Gaza could lead to unfavorable scenarios. Blinken outlined three possible outcomes: Israel being forced to stay and shoulder the responsibility in Gaza, a major insurgency that could continue for years, or the resurgence of Hamas and the emergence of chaos, lawlessness, and criminality.

Israel claims that on October 7, 2021, over 1,200 people were killed, and more than 250 individuals were taken as hostages by Hamas. It is believed that there are still over 100 hostages, including five Americans: Edan Alexander, Sagui Dekel-Chen, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Omer Neutra, and Keith Siegel.

The drafting of the resolution marks a significant step towards reaching a cease-fire agreement in Gaza. The international community, under the umbrella of the United Nations, is working diligently to bring an end to the violence and achieve a lasting peace in the region.