US Requests UN Security Council to Pressure Hamas for Acceptance of Ceasefire and Release of Hostages

The US ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, requested the Security Council on Wednesday to pressure Hamas to accept a ceasefire and the hostage release agreement currently under negotiation. In a speech at the monthly Security Council meeting on conflicts, she stated that Israel and Hamas have agreed on a framework based on Israel's proposal from May and mentioned in a subsequent speech by US President Joe Biden, which is included in a resolution passed by the council. She said, 'There are still gaps that need to be filled, and this council must maintain pressure on Hamas to accept the agreement outlined in resolution 2735 and to begin implementation without delay and unconditionally. This is what we all want in this council, and this is what the Palestinians in Gaza want.' The US ambassador noted that progress has been made in distributing humanitarian aid across Gaza. However, many requests from the UN and other aid organizations, particularly those related to communication equipment crucial for de-escalation processes, remain unresolved. She stated, 'We also urge the Israeli government to work with the UN to address this and other obstacles.' She added, 'Palestinian civilians are living in hell. They have repeatedly been forced to flee from one place to another in search of safety. Many people have lost parents, siblings, children, and friends, including in a recent attack by Israeli defense forces on a UN-supported school in the Nuseirat camp.' She emphasized that the US government remains concerned about settler violence and condemned recent Israeli actions to expand its presence in the West Bank. 'Unilateral actions, such as the Israeli government's settlement expansion plans, are inconsistent with international law and undermine the two-state solution.' It is noteworthy that Bill Burns, the CIA director, stated in a closed-door meeting last weekend that the agency assesses that Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, is under increasing pressure from commanders of this terrorist group to accept the ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement. The war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7 (15 Mehr) last year when militants from this Palestinian militant group and its allies attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages. Approximately 120 hostages are still held by Hamas forces in Gaza, and this group has not released any news or information about their status. Israel and the US consider Hamas a terrorist organization. The ongoing reciprocal attacks between Hezbollah and Israel; residents of northern areas are calling for serious action from the Israeli government against Hezbollah. Gaza health officials: At least 57 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks. Netanyahu: I am 'not completely sure' about the death of Mohammed Deif; this attack sent a deterrent message to the Iranian government. Guterres: 'The Agency for Palestinian Refugee Relief and Works' has no alternative, support UNRWA.