NEW YORK: The UN Security Council has postposed till Tuesday, the voting on a fresh resolution urging a sustainable cessation of hostilities in Gaza after prolonged negotiations.
The United Arab Emirates that had introduced the latest resolution, requested the vote set for 5:00 pm on Monday. However, it was postponed due to ongoing complex negotiations and is expected to take place on Tuesday, the western media reported citing sources.
The vote delay shows the UN diplomats have been unable to develop consensus on the matter.
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.
However, 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.
Israel and the United States have already shown displeasure on earlier drafts that did not mention Hamas.
Draft resolution reaffirms support for a two-state solution
The draft resolution reaffirms support for a two-state solution and underscores the importance of unifying the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority. The resolution calls for the “immediate and unconditional release of all hostages” and condemns “all indiscriminate attacks against civilians.”
According to the Gaza health ministry 19,453 innocent Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza war so far mostly women and children.
The UN has said that some 1.87 million Palestinians, over 80 percent of Gaza’s population, have left their homes.
The war was paused for seven days as a result of a Qatar- US brokered deal during which Hamas released 105 captives, including 80 in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners.
The Security Council has faced international criticism for passing only one resolution on Gaza during the ongoing conflict, with five other resolutions rejected, including two due to the US vetoes. While Security Council resolutions are technically binding, compliance is not guaranteed.
US President Joe Biden’s recent warning that Israel risks losing international support due to its “indiscriminate” bombing of Gaza adds urgency to the situation. Advocates, including Human Rights Watch, urge the United States to back its words by pressuring both Israel and Palestinian armed groups to comply with international humanitarian law.
Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour implored for an immediate ceasefire in the face of the “atrocities.”
