UN Council Prepares Vote on Gaza Ceasefire Amid US Opposition
New York — The United Nations Security Council is set to vote Thursday on a new draft resolution calling for immediate humanitarian access to Gaza, a permanent ceasefire, and the release of hostages. The move comes nearly two years into Israel’s military campaign in the Palestinian territory, following the UN’s official declaration of famine.
Diplomatic sources say the resolution has evolved since late August, when the 10 non-permanent members first began discussions. An earlier draft focused mainly on easing barriers to aid, but France, the United Kingdom, and Russia reportedly questioned whether a purely humanitarian measure could be effective within a council whose primary mission is maintaining global peace. The United States, a long-time ally of Israel, could still block the resolution with its veto power.
The current draft, reviewed by AFP, not only emphasizes opening aid corridors but also “demands an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza respected by all parties” and calls for the “immediate and unconditional release of hostages.”
The US has repeatedly rejected such measures, most recently in June, when it vetoed a similar resolution in support of Israel.
Rising Frustration
European diplomats say the latest effort is about refusing to bow to the threat of a US veto. “Not even trying just makes it too easy for the US—they don’t have to justify it or confront the other 14 members of the council or the world public,” one diplomat told AFP.
While the resolution may offer little immediate relief to Palestinians on the ground, diplomats stress that it signals continued international pressure.
The June veto prompted a rare outburst of anger from the other 14 council members, who have grown increasingly vocal about their frustration with their inability to compel Israel to halt the suffering in Gaza.
Adding to the tension, a UN-mandated international investigative commission released its independent findings on Tuesday, concluding that Israel has committed acts of genocide in Gaza since October 2023 with the intent to “destroy” the Palestinian population.
The Gaza crisis is expected to dominate discussions at next week’s annual UN summit in New York.
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