US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced this morning (Thursday) that the US has submitted a draft to the UN Security Council for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages.
According to Blinken: "We very much hope that the countries will support the move," he noted. He also added that "I think this will send a strong message, a strong signal." He said these things to the Saudi media outlet AlHadath during his visit to Saudi Arabia.
Earlier it was announced that 70 former American government officials, diplomats, and retired military officers called on US President Joe Biden to use a tougher hand against Israel.
In the letter they sent to the President, they demanded that he warn Israel of serious consequences if it violates human rights in Gaza, deprives the Palestinians of basic needs, or expands the settlements throughout Judea and Samaria, Reuters news agency reported.
According to them: "The US must be ready to take concrete action to oppose such practices, including restrictions on providing aid in accordance with US law and policy."
