Biden calls on Hamas to accept UN ceasefire deal, ‘an opportunity to prove they mean it’

The UN Security Council passed a U.S. drafted non-binding ceasefire resolution on Monday. The proposal includes the freeing of hostages, pause in fighting, and a surge in humanitarian aid. 14 UN Security Council nations voted in favor of the resolution, with Russia abstaining from the voting process.

The Biden Administration called on Hamas to accept the deal via X, stating ‘Hamas says it wants a ceasefire. This deal is an opportunity to prove they mean it.’ Hamas has been adamant in accepting a ceasefire proposal, as they want conditions to assure their survival as a regime in the Gaza strip.

At this point, it’s unclear if Israel agrees to the proposal laid out by the Biden Administration. Prime Minister Netanyahu has been consistent in his vow to invade Rafah and finish off Hamas, stating “The idea that we will halt the war before achieving all of its goals is out of the question.” But according to Biden, Rafah is a ‘red line’ that Israel should not cross if it wants the United States’ support in the war.

The non-binding agreement by the UN sets the stage for yet another tough round of diplomacy, with no end in site under current conditions of the war in Gaza.