NEW YORK: The UN Security Council vote on a much-delayed resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza postponed again on Wednesday as members failed to develop consensus over wording of the draft while the death toll in Gaza continued to climb.
The debate at the UN’s headquarters came against a backdrop of worsening situation in Gaza, with a senior UN official saying Israel’s steps to allow in aid were short of addressing the mounting need.
Ecuador’s Jose Javier De La Gasca Lopez-Dominguez, who holds the council’s rotating presidency said that the Security Council has agreed to continue with negotiations today to allow more time for diplomacy and the voting for the adoption of the resolution will be held for tomorrow (Thursday) morning.
For day members of the UN council have been grappling to find common ground on the resolution. The voting which was due to take place on Monday has been delayed several times.
Israel, supported by its ally the United States, a permanent Security Council member, has opposed the use of the term ceasefire in the draft resolution.
On December 8, the United States vetoed a Security Council resolution that called for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza where Israel continues its deadly strikes.
In the General Assembly, the 193-member United Nations voted overwhelmingly for a ceasefire in the area. Overall, 153 nations support in favor of ceasefire.
Russia, Arab League stepped up diplomatic pressure on Israel end Gaza war
But Russia and the Arab League stepped up diplomatic pressure on Israel to bring end to the war in Gaza, using the Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum in Morocco to call for a ceasefire.
Earlier US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Washington would welcome a resolution that fully supports addressing the humanitarian requirements of the people of Gaza.
The Gaza health ministry reported on Wednesday that at least 20,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in unrelenting Israeli bombardments since October 7. The casualties include 8,000 children and 6,200 women, underscoring the devastating toll on the civilian population.
The UN has said that some 1.87 million Palestinians, over 80 percent of Gaza’s population, have left their homes.
The Israeli raids have almost destroyed entire neighborhoods in northern Gaza. Israeli ground troops have been facing heavy resistance from Hamas fighters in the area.
Senior official of United Nations Tor Wennesland on Tuesday said that Israel’s action to permit aid into Gaza are insufficient. He added that the delivery of humanitarian aid in Gaza Strip continues to face challenges.
