New York, 4 June 2024 (dpa/MIA) - The United States has presented a resolution to the UN Security Council in support of US President Joe Biden's recent proposal for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal.

"Numerous leaders and governments, including in the region, have endorsed this plan and we call on the Security Council to join them in calling for implementation of this deal without delay and without further conditions," US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said on Monday.

"Members of the Council have consistently called for the steps outlined in this deal: bringing the hostages home, ensuring a complete ceasefire, enabling a surge of humanitarian assistance into Gaza and in the refurbishment of essential services, and setting the stage for a long-term reconstruction plan for Gaza," she added.

"Council Members should not let this opportunity to pass by."

Last week, Biden presented details of a draft peace deal that foresees three phases of de-escalation, starting with a complete ceasefire for six weeks and a withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas in Gaza.

It sets out plans for the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, Israel's withdrawal from the Palestinian territory and the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.

The US, Israel's biggest ally, has vetoed recent UN Security Council resolutions, including calls for a ceasefire. However, amid growing international criticism of Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip, the US government has begun to change course.

Photo: MIA archive