Security Council session to vote on a ceasefire in Gaza (European)

An American spokesman said that the United States will present, on Friday, a draft resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the conclusion of an agreement regarding detainees between the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and Israel for a vote in the United Nations Security Council.

The latest version of the draft resolution stipulates an “immediate and sustainable ceasefire” for approximately 6 weeks that would provide protection for civilians and allow the delivery of humanitarian aid.

The draft resolution "unequivocally supports the ongoing international diplomatic efforts to secure a truce linked to the release of all remaining hostages," referring to ongoing talks mediated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar.

Nate Evans, spokesman for the US mission to the United Nations, said on Thursday that the 15-member Council will vote on Friday on the text that was negotiated in “several rounds of consultations” with Council members.

An alternative American project

Since Washington resorted to using its veto at the end of February against an Algerian draft resolution calling for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire,” the Americans have negotiated an alternative text that focuses on supporting diplomatic efforts to reach a truce that will last 6 weeks, in exchange for the release of Israeli detainees. in Gaza.

To be adopted, the draft resolution needs the approval of at least 9 votes and no veto by any of the five permanent members, namely the United States, France, Britain, Russia and China.

During the 5-month war, Washington used its veto power against 3 draft resolutions, two of which called for an immediate ceasefire.

More recently, the United States justified its veto by saying that action in the Council could jeopardize mediation efforts by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to stop the war and release detainees.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel has been waging a devastating war on the Gaza Strip, leaving tens of thousands of civilian victims, most of them children and women, a humanitarian catastrophe and massive infrastructure destruction, which led to Tel Aviv appearing before the International Court of Justice on charges of “genocide.”

Source: Al Jazeera + agencies