Report: US will not allow Israel to attack Rafah

According to a Reuters report, the US proposed an alternative draft resolution to the UN Security Council today (Monday), which includes a number of details that it wants the UN to veto.

The draft calls for a temporary ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and opposes a major Israeli ground attack in Rafah in southern Gaza. The US draft text states that "under the current circumstances, a major ground attack in Rafah would result in further harm to civilians and their further displacement, potentially to neighboring countries."

The proposed American resolution states that such a move "will have serious consequences for regional peace and security," and therefore emphasizes that "such a large ground attack should not continue under the current circumstances." At this time it is not yet clear when or if the proposed resolution will be put to a vote in the 15-member council. The resolution needs at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes by the United States, France, Great Britain, Russia or China.

The offer comes after last week Algeria asked the US to demand an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield hinted to them that a veto would be imposed on the matter.