WASHINGTON: The United Nations Security Council is set to hold a vote next week on a resolution seeking an “immediate” ceasefire in Gaza, initiated by Algeria, AFP reported citing diplomatic sources. However, the United States again appeared set to block the resolution and Washington once again indicated its intention to block it.
Algeria initiated discussions on a new draft resolution following a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in late January, which called on Israel to take all necessary measures to prevent genocidal acts in its conflict in Gaza, targeting Palestinian resistance group Hamas members.
The latest version of the resolution, “demands an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to be respected by all parties.” Additionally, it “rejects forced displacement of the Palestinian civilian population” and calls for the “immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.”
The conflict in Gaza began with an attack by Hamas on October 7, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,160 people in Israel. In response, Israel launched a relentless bombardment campaign on Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 28,858 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
Algeria has requested a UN Security Council vote on Tuesday, but the United States has signaled its likely veto of the measure.
US President Joe Biden, in collaboration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and leaders of Egypt and Qatar, is reportedly negotiating a hostage deal aimed at achieving a “prolonged pause in fighting” over six weeks, according to US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield’s statement on Algeria’s proposed draft.
Thomas-Greenfield stated, “The resolution put forward in the Security Council, in contrast, would not achieve these outcomes, and indeed, may run counter to them.” She affirmed that the United States does not support action on the draft resolution and warned that it would not be adopted if voted upon in its current form.
US Security Council Draft Resolution
The proposed resolution, similar to previous drafts opposed by Israel and the United States, does not condemn the actions of Palestinian resistance group Hamas.
Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour emphasized the urgent need for a humanitarian ceasefire resolution, citing “massive support” for its elements among council members. Despite international pressure and Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis, Washington has previously vetoed ceasefire resolutions in October and December.
Since October 7, the Security Council has only adopted two resolutions on Gaza, including one advocating for the substantial delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territory.
