US calls Algeria’s proposed UN resolution demanding Israel halt offensive in Rafah not helpful

By EDITH M. LEDERER
Associated Press

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United States says a proposed U.N. Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and halt to Israel’s military operation in the southern city of Rafah “is not going to be helpful.” Algeria, the Arab representative on the council, circulated the draft resolution Tuesday evening to its 15 members after emergency council consultations on the escalating Israeli operation in Rafah. U.S. deputy ambassador Robert Wood told reporters Wednesday that “another resolution is not necessarily going to change anything on the ground.” He said the United States is focused on getting agreement on a temporary pause in the fighting and the release of some 125 hostages taken during Hamas’ Oct. 7 invasion of southern Israel, and then working on a long-term end to the seven-month war.