By Editor
UNITED NATIONS, New York — Arab countries are pressing for a UN resolution at this critical juncture that calls for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza. The vote on this resolution is set to take place on Tuesday at 10 a.m. EST (1500 GMT) by the Security Council. The United States, lead by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, has stated its intention to veto the resolution sponsored by the Arabs, despite the fact that there is widespread support around the world for resolving the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Concerns that the resolution would obstruct continuing U.S. efforts to mediate a settlement between Israel and Hamas were raised by Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. The proposed deal aims for a six-week cessation of hostilities and the release of hostages taken during Hamas’ surprise attack on southern Israel in October.
In a surprising move before the vote, the United States circulated its own U.N. Security Council resolution. This alternative resolution supports a temporary cease-fire in Gaza linked to the release of hostages and calls for the lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid delivery. The U.S. draft emphasizes that these actions would contribute to creating conditions for a sustainable end to hostilities.
Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the Arab-backed resolution in achieving the U.S.’s goals. He introduced the U.S. draft as another possible option, indicating a willingness to discuss it further with other nations.
A senior U.S. official emphasized the need for intensive negotiations and stated, “We don’t believe in a rush to a vote.” While acknowledging the urgency of the situation, the official highlighted the intent to engage in thorough discussions in the coming days.
Arab nations, supported by a significant number of U.N. member countries, have been advocating for a cease-fire due to the escalating military offensive by Israel in response to the October 7 attack by Hamas. The death toll among Palestinians has surpassed 29,000, with the majority identified as women and children.
Tunisia’s U.N. Ambassador Tarek Ladeb, chair of the 22-nation Arab Group, emphasized the urgent need for a cease-fire. He pointed to the potential humanitarian crisis in Gaza’s southern city of Rafah and expressed concerns about Israel’s plans to evacuate civilians and intensify its military offensive in that area.
The Arab-backed resolution not only calls for an immediate cease-fire but also demands the release of hostages, rejects forced displacement of Palestinian civilians, ensures unhindered humanitarian access throughout Gaza, and urges compliance with international law by both Israel and Hamas.
After the expected U.S. veto, the Arab Group may take their resolution to the U.N. General Assembly, where approval is likely. However, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding. The Security Council would then shift focus to the more comprehensive U.S. draft resolution, condemning both the October 7 attack by Hamas and subsequent actions, including hostage-taking and violence.
