US urges on Iran to cease providing weapons to militants and terrorists in the Israel-Hamas conflict

 US urges on Iran to cease providing weapons to militants and terrorists in the Israel-Hamas conflict

On Saturday, the United States put out a draft UN Security Council resolution that calls on Iran to cease shipping weapons to "militants and terrorist groups threatening security and tranquility across the region" and recognizes Israel's right to self-defense.

Reuters reported that the draft called for the protection of civilians, including those who are attempting to flee for their lives, noted that states must adhere to international law when responding to "terrorist attacks," and urged the "continuous, sufficient and unhindered" delivery of aid to the Gaza Strip. 

It was unclear at the time if or when the United States intended to bring the draft resolution up for a vote. A resolution must get at least nine votes to pass, and none of the following countries—Russia, China, the United States, France, or Britain—may veto it.

The United States' action comes after it on Wednesday rejected a Brazilian-drafted resolution that asked for humanitarian pauses in the war between Israel and Palestinian terrorist group Hamas in order to enable assistance access to Gaza.

The US and Europe are quietly pleading with Israel to put off the operation as hundreds of tanks and armed troops wait for the go-ahead from the political and military leadership for a possible "ground offensive" close to the Gaza border, according to The Times of Israel.

According to top diplomatic sources cited by The Times of Israel, both nations believe that an Israeli ground assault is very likely. They don't advise postponing it permanently; rather, they urge it be delayed while other diplomatic efforts be investigated for their likelihood of success.

In a meeting with Mahmoud Abbas on Friday in Cairo, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stressed the need of allowing supplies into Gaza and urged Hamas and Israel to refrain from using civilians as human shields in their struggle.

According to his office, Sunak highlighted the need of averting a larger regional war and stopping any more needless loss of civilian life during the negotiations.

On Saturday, the border crossing between Egypt and Gaza reopened, enabling for the first time since Israel cut off the region after a violent event involving Hamas two weeks ago for crucial supplies to reach Palestinians.

The 2.3 million people who live in Gaza, with half of them being evicted from their homes, are now rationing food and coping with tainted water. Due to a widespread power outage, hospitals are having trouble getting medical supplies and gasoline for emergency generators.