Diplomatic tensions are escalating as the United Nations Security Council prepares for a potential vote on a resolution calling for an "immediate" ceasefire in Gaza. Sources within the diplomatic community informed AFP on Saturday that Algeria is spearheading the push for the vote, yet Washington is once again signaling its intent to obstruct the resolution.
Algeria initiated discussions on a fresh draft following a landmark ruling by the International Court of Justice in late January. The ruling mandated that Israel must take all necessary measures to prevent genocidal acts in its conflict in Gaza, which it claims is aimed at Hamas militants.
The latest draft resolution, reviewed by AFP, underscores the urgency of a humanitarian ceasefire that must be respected by all parties involved. Additionally, it unequivocally denounces the forced displacement of Palestinian civilians and demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
The genesis of this resolution stems from the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which intensified with Hamas's attack on October 7. According to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures, the attack claimed the lives of approximately 1,160 individuals in Israel, predominantly civilians. In retaliation, Israel launched a relentless assault on Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 28,858 people, mostly women and children, as reported by the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.
Algeria has tabled a request for the UN Security Council vote to take place on Tuesday. However, the United States, a permanent member of the council, has hinted at its intention to veto the measure.
US President Joe Biden, alongside Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the leaders of Egypt and Qatar, is reportedly engaged in negotiations for a hostage deal that could facilitate a "prolonged pause in fighting," according to US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield. She emphasized in a statement regarding Algeria's proposed draft that the resolution currently on the table may not align with these ongoing efforts.
"The resolution put forward in the Security Council, in contrast, would not achieve these outcomes, and indeed, may run counter to them," stated Thomas-Greenfield. "The United States does not support action on this draft resolution. Should it come up for a vote as drafted, it will not be adopted."
As the international community awaits the outcome of these deliberations, the fate of civilians caught in the crossfire of the Gaza conflict hangs in the balance.
Algeria initiated discussions on a fresh draft following a landmark ruling by the International Court of Justice in late January. The ruling mandated that Israel must take all necessary measures to prevent genocidal acts in its conflict in Gaza, which it claims is aimed at Hamas militants.
The latest draft resolution, reviewed by AFP, underscores the urgency of a humanitarian ceasefire that must be respected by all parties involved. Additionally, it unequivocally denounces the forced displacement of Palestinian civilians and demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
The genesis of this resolution stems from the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which intensified with Hamas's attack on October 7. According to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures, the attack claimed the lives of approximately 1,160 individuals in Israel, predominantly civilians. In retaliation, Israel launched a relentless assault on Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 28,858 people, mostly women and children, as reported by the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.
Algeria has tabled a request for the UN Security Council vote to take place on Tuesday. However, the United States, a permanent member of the council, has hinted at its intention to veto the measure.
US President Joe Biden, alongside Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the leaders of Egypt and Qatar, is reportedly engaged in negotiations for a hostage deal that could facilitate a "prolonged pause in fighting," according to US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield. She emphasized in a statement regarding Algeria's proposed draft that the resolution currently on the table may not align with these ongoing efforts.
"The resolution put forward in the Security Council, in contrast, would not achieve these outcomes, and indeed, may run counter to them," stated Thomas-Greenfield. "The United States does not support action on this draft resolution. Should it come up for a vote as drafted, it will not be adopted."
As the international community awaits the outcome of these deliberations, the fate of civilians caught in the crossfire of the Gaza conflict hangs in the balance.
