Russia has proposed a draft resolution to the UN Security Council calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in the Israel-Palestine conflict, which has escalated into a deadly war in the past week. The draft resolution, which was circulated to the council members on Friday, expresses grave concern over the violence and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and emphasizes the need to protect civilians on both sides.
The draft resolution strongly condemns all violence and hostilities directed against civilians and all acts of terrorism but does not mention Hamas and its rocket attacks against Israel. The draft resolution also calls for the secure release of all hostages, the unimpeded provision and distribution of humanitarian assistance, and for creating conditions for the safe evacuation of civilians in need.
The Russian move comes amid growing international pressure on the Biden administration to take a more active role in ending the bloodshed. Several Western countries have so far refrained from calling for an outright ceasefire, insisting instead that Israel has a right to defend itself after Hamas launched hundreds of rockets at Israeli cities on Oct. 7.