The UN Security Council vote on a draft resolution for additional humanitarian aid into Gaza has been postponed once again, now scheduled for Wednesday at around 4 p.m. GMT (9.30 p.m. IST) after the Council's meeting on Afghanistan. Originally set for Monday, the vote was delayed to allow for ongoing negotiations.
The draft resolution, introduced by the United Arab Emirates, urges an "urgent and sustainable cessation of hostilities to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access in the Gaza Strip" and calls for the "immediate and unconditional release of all hostages."
For the resolution to pass in the Security Council, it requires a minimum of nine votes in favor with no vetoes from any of the permanent members, including the US, France, China, Britain, and Russia.
The decision to postpone the vote to Wednesday indicates that an agreement on language acceptable to the US has not been reached. US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby emphasized ongoing discussions about the resolution's modalities, stating the importance of understanding the situation and Israel's right to defend itself.
Earlier this month, the US vetoed a similar resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. In response, the UN General Assembly called for a ceasefire last week, with a significant majority in favor. Concerns about a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including mass displacement, starvation, and disease, have been raised by UN officials and aid agencies during the two-month conflict.
(With Agency Inputs)
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