The UN Security Council is preparing for a crucial vote, potentially on Monday, regarding a draft resolution seeking to facilitate aid access to Gaza through multiple routes. The resolution's fate hinges on negotiations between the US, a key ally of Israel with veto power, and the United Arab Emirates, the draft's author.
The proposal urges an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza to allow safe humanitarian access and the unconditional release of hostages. To pass in the Security Council, the draft needs at least nine favorable votes, with no vetoes from permanent members like the US, France, China, Britain, and Russia.
UN officials and aid agencies have raised concerns about a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance amid a two-month conflict that has displaced the majority of the region's 2.3 million people. Earlier, the US vetoed a resolution for an immediate ceasefire, advocating for temporary combat pauses to protect civilians and facilitate hostage release.
Key Points:
1. The UN Security Council is set to vote on a draft resolution aiming to facilitate aid access to the Gaza Strip, with the outcome contingent on negotiations between the US and the United Arab Emirates.
2. The draft emphasizes the need for an urgent and sustainable cessation of hostilities in Gaza, allowing safe humanitarian access, and calls for the immediate release of all hostages.
3. The resolution requires at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes from the permanent members, including the US, France, China, Britain, and Russia.
4. Concerns have been raised by UN officials and aid agencies regarding a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with a majority of the 2.3 million population displaced during the ongoing two-month conflict.
5. While the US and Israel opposed a ceasefire, advocating for temporary pauses in combat to protect civilians and secure the release of hostages, the UN General Assembly previously called for a ceasefire with a significant majority in favor.
(With Agency Inputs)
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