UN Postpones Vote on Gaza Resolution, Seeks Compromise
The United Nations Security Council has once again postponed the vote on a resolution to cease fire in Gaza, aiming to avoid a U.S. veto. Efforts are focused on the humanitarian crisis and ceasefire negotiations
Key Points:
- UN Security Council delays vote on Gaza ceasefire, seeks compromise
- Efforts are directed to prevent an American veto
- Focus on resolving the humanitarian crisis and achieving a ceasefire
On December 20, the United Nations Security Council postponed the vote on a resolution that calls for a ceasefire in the Gaza sector by a day.
The delay is associated with attempts to find a compromise wording to avoid a veto by the United States.
The vote was originally scheduled for December 18, but it has already been postponed twice.
In the first version of the resolution, an immediate and prolonged ceasefire was called for, along with the necessity for continuous humanitarian aid delivery. However, in the new draft, the focus has shifted to suspending military actions, and this wording may even be softened further.
UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland urged the United Nations Security Council to work with a constructive approach to stop the "cycle of violence" in the region.
Wennesland expressed serious concern about the impact of military actions on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, emphasizing that current conditions hinder effective humanitarian operations.
He said the lack of progress in resolving the conflict is causing disappointment among humanitarian organizations faced with an insufficient amount of aid being delivered.
He also pointed to data from the Gaza Ministry of Health, controlled by Hamas, according to which more than 19,600 people have died since the start of the conflict.
At the same time, Wennesland noted that both sides of the conflict are ready for a new ceasefire and exchange negotiations. For Israel, the priority is the release of hostages, including women, elderly men, and the wounded.
On December 12, after the United States used its veto power in the Security Council, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for a ceasefire.
The resolution was supported by 153 states, with 23 abstentions, and 10 votes against.
The text of the resolution included a call for the immediate release of hostages, but did not condemn Hamas' attack on Israel, which was a key demand of the U.S. and Israel.