Libya on Tuesday submitted a new draft resolution in the Security Council demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, including an end to rocket firing into Israel by Palestinian militants. Libyan Foreign Minister Abdel-Rahman Shalgam said the text, put forward on behalf of several Arab states, would be put to a vote by the 15-member Council Wednesday. He spoke on the sidelines of a Security Council debate on Israel's 11-day military offensive in Gaza to put a stop to rocket firing from Palestinian militants. The Libyan text "demands an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip with a cessation of all military activities and violence, including Israeli military operations and the firing of rockets, and the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces to positions held prior to December 27 2008 and demands full respect of the ceasefire by both parties." It also calls for the immediate lifting of the 18-month Israeli blockade on Gaza and for the reopening of Gaza's border crossings with Israel and Egypt. Shalgam insisted that the text was discussed with other members of the Security Council, particularly France, the United States and Britain. But diplomats expressed doubt that the draft, which is opposed by Israel, would garner support from Western members. The Security Council was set to resume its debate on the Gaza conflict Wednesday morning.