U.s. Likely To Block Un Vote On Gaza Casefire

The United Nations Security Council is set to vote on Wednesday on a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access in Gaza. However, the measure is widely expected to be blocked by a U.S. veto.
 

This marks the Council’s first vote on the issue since November, when the United States — a staunch ally of Israel — similarly blocked a resolution calling for an end to hostilities. The current draft, obtained by AFP, calls for “an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza to be observed by all parties.” It also urges the “immediate, dignified, and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups.”
 

Highlighting the “catastrophic humanitarian situation” in the region, the resolution further demands the removal of all restrictions hindering humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza.
 

The vote is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. Wednesday (2000 GMT). However, multiple diplomats have indicated to AFP that they anticipate the U.S. will exercise its veto power. Efforts by the 10 elected Council members to negotiate with the U.S. reportedly failed.
 

Israel continues to face mounting international pressure to bring an end to its military campaign in Gaza, which began after Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israeli territory on October 7, 2023.
 

Concerns over the delivery of humanitarian aid have intensified, particularly after Israel halted aid access for over two months, only permitting limited UN vehicle entry in mid-May. The UN has since stated that the aid flow remains insufficient to meet the population’s urgent needs. Meanwhile, the U.S.-supported Gaza Humanitarian Fund has drawn criticism for allegedly compromising long-established humanitarian principles by coordinating with one of the conflict’s parties.
 

“All of us will be judged by history based on what we did to prevent this crime against the Palestinian people,” one diplomat said.