- Another UN vote on Gaza ceasefire amid US uncertainty
- The vote will call for an “immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire” in Gaza, along with the release of all hostages
- Israeli ambassador to the UN calls the text “shameful”
- It’s likely to still be blocked by the US – Israel’s key ally
Another UN vote on Gaza ceasefire amid US uncertainty
The UN Security Council is set to vote on Wednesday on a resolution demanding an “immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire” in Gaza, along with the release of all hostages. However, the United States, a key ally of Israel, may block the draft, which has already drawn criticism from Israeli officials.
Israeli ambassador to the UN Danny Danon has called the text “shameful,” adding: “We cannot allow the UN to tie the hands of the State of Israel from protecting its citizens, and we will not stop fighting until we return all the kidnapped men and women home.”
“For us, it has to be a linkage between a ceasefire and the release of hostages,” said Robert Wood, the deputy US ambassador. “It has been our principle position from the beginning and it still remains.”
The Security Council has struggled to agree on Gaza resolutions throughout the war, with the US vetoing several drafts and other permanent members like Russia and China also blocking measures. Past attempts, including temporary ceasefire calls and a US-backed multi-stage plan, have failed to gain traction.
The resolution also demands unrestricted humanitarian aid access to Gaza and condemns efforts to starve the population. While Palestinian representatives at the UN argue the draft doesn’t go far enough, some diplomats hope outgoing President Joe Biden might adopt a more flexible approach in his final weeks in office.