Algeria proposes UN security council resolution calling for immediate ceasefire in Gaza: AP

Algeria has brought forward a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and an order for Israel to stop its assault on the southern city of Rafah, the Associated Press (AP) reports.

The proposed resolution, obtained by the AP, asks for all parties to respect the ceasefire, when announced, and also calls for the immediate release of all hostages taken on 7 October.

It says that “the catastrophic situation in the Gaza Strip constitutes a threat to regional and international peace and security". It also highlights the “famine spreading throughout the Gaza Strip” and the suffering of more than one million displaced Palestinians in Rafah. 

Algeria’s ambassador to the UN Amar Bendjama told reporters that the draft will be sent to the 15-member security council this evening. 

It is hoped that the resolution will get a quick vote, as early as Wednesday. 

The Chinese ambassador to the UN Fu Cong told reporters: "It is our hope that it can be done as quickly as possible because life is in the balance.”

The US has vetoed several resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield commented on the Algerian proposal saying: "We’re waiting to see it and then we’ll react to it.”