The resolution, introduced by Malta, calls for “extended humanitarian pauses”, unfettered aid delivery, medical evacuations, and the unconditional release of captives held in Gaza. It also stresses the need for all parties to comply with international humanitarian law.
Four previous votes related to the conflict have failed in the Security Council, where the Untied States, Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom wield veto power as permanent members of the 15-member body.
An initial Brazil-drafted resolution calling for humanitarian pauses was vetoed by the US for failing to “mention Israel’s right of self-defence”. A subsequent US-drafted resolution, which stated Israel’s “right to self-defence” but did not call for humanitarian pauses, was vetoed by Russia and China.
Two subsequent Russian draft resolutions were not vetoed, but did not attain the nine votes needed to be approved by the council.
The latest resolution also does not state Israel’s “right to self-defence”, making it unclear how the US would vote. The vote is expected around 3pm local time in New York (20:00 GMT).
Source: AlJazeera
