US Vetoes UNSC Resolution, But Ceasefire Talk Signals Shifting Stance

For the third time the United States has vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an 'immediate humanitarian ceasefire' in Gaza. Thirteen UNSC members vote in favour of the Algerian-proposed resolution, while the United Kingdom abstained. The US claimed that the proposal would 'jeopardise' talks to end the conflict, and instead has put forward its own plan seeks to dissuade Israel from launching a military operation on the city of Rafah on the Gaza-Egyptian border while calling for a 'temportary ceasefire'.

• Even the use of 'temporary ceasefire' has drawn attention, with "Frank Lowenstein, who served as US special envoy for Middle East peace under President Obama, [calling] the move "a pretty significant shift" in American policy."
• White House spox: 'US hopes negotiations to get hostages out will bear fruit soon...We still don't believe that it is the right time for a permanent ceasefire.' On Rafah, says that 'the US believe any major Israeli operation in Rafah without a plan to ensure the safety of Palestinian people would be a disaster'.
• Axios: "Brett McGurk, President Biden's top Middle East adviser, is expected to visit Israel on Wednesday for talks on the efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza." Talks are ongoing between the US, Egypt, Israel and Qatar over a proposed agreement that could result in a cessation of fighting should Hamas agree to release hostages.