Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
24 December 2023 | 18:59 CAT

Members of the United Nations Security Council are involved in intense negotiations over a draft resolution on the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza as they seek to funnel more aid to Palestinians and avoid another US veto.

The vote, postponed from Monday, had been expected to take place by early afternoon Tuesday but was pushed back until later because the United States asked for more time. The council rescheduled the vote for 5 p.m. EST.

The draft resolution on the table Monday morning called for an “urgent and sustainable cessation of hostilities,” but this language was watered down in a new draft circulated early Tuesday.

It now “calls for the urgent suspension of hostilities to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and for urgent steps towards a sustainable cessation of hostilities.” The United States, in the past, has opposed language on a cessation of hostilities.

“There is an absolute need for a ceasefire as the humanitarian situation is beyond the point of collapse in Gaza,” said Romana Rubeo, the Managing Editor of the Palestine Chronicle.

Meanwhile, Rubeo pointed out that during the 75 days of the war, the UN and other States at the Security Council, with their veto power, have blocked the international community from achieving a ceasefire based on international law and the world order.

In its first unified action on Nov. 15, with the US abstaining, the Security Council adopted a resolution calling for “urgent and extended humanitarian pauses” in the fighting, unhindered aid deliveries to civilians and the unconditional release of all hostages.

The council had scheduled a vote late Monday afternoon, but it was postponed to get the US to support the resolution or abstain.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie.