What We're Watching

US ramps up pressure for a cease-fire in Gaza

An Israeli tank maneuvers near Israel's border with Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in southern Israel, March 21, 2024.
An Israeli tank maneuvers near Israel's border with Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in southern Israel, March 21, 2024.
REUTERS/Ammar Awad

The US submitted a draft resolution to the UN Security Council calling for an “immediate cease-fire” in Gaza “tied to the release of hostages,” Secretary of State Antony Blinkensaid Wednesday during a visit to the Middle East.

This marks a significant shift in Washington’s stance on the war, as the US has wielded its veto against Gaza cease-fire resolutions several times. Just last month, the US blocked an Algeria-drafted resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire. The Biden administration’s embrace of such language is indicative of the pressure the White House is under with growing criticism from voters over the government’s support for the Jewish State — and an election looming.

The resolution signals that the US is serious about pursuing a cease-fire without abandoning Israel in the process. Though UNSC resolutions are legally binding, they are often ignored, and there are few consequences, if any. Still, Blinken said the resolution would send a “strong message.” The UNSC is expected to vote on the resolution on Friday.

Meanwhile, Blinken says “gaps are narrowing” in indirect talks between Israel and Hamas for a new truce and hostage release.

More For You

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with President of the European Council António Luís Santos da Costa, and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi, India, on Jan. 27, 2026.

DPR PMO/ANI Photo

On Tuesday, the world’s largest single market and the world’s most populous country cinched a deal that will slash or reduce tariffs on the vast majority of the products they trade.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo stands alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and US President Donald Trump during the 2026 World Cup draw at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., on December 5, 2025.
Deccio Serrano/NurPhoto

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has repeatedly tussled with US President Donald Trump, whereas Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has tried to placate him. The discrepancy raises questions about the best way to approach the US leader.

Fighters of the Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement, attend a rally marking the 35th anniversary of the group's foundation in Gaza City on December 14, 2022.
Photo by Majdi Fathi/NurPhoto

10,000: The number of Hamas officers that the militant group reportedly wants to incorporate into the US-backed Palestinian administration for Gaza, in the form of a police force.

Walmart is investing $350 billion in US manufacturing. Over two-thirds of the products Walmart buys are made, grown, or assembled in America, like healthy dried fruit from The Ugly Co. The sustainable fruit is sourced directly from fourth-generation farmers in Farmersville, California, and delivered to your neighborhood Walmart shelves. Discover how Walmart's investment is supporting communities and fueling jobs across the nation.