The schedule for a United Nations Security Council vote on a proposed humanitarian cease-fire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas was postponed, now set to occur after discussions between Arab ministers and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Originally set for a Friday morning session, the vote was rescheduled following a request by the United Arab Emirates, who introduced the resolution backed by Arab nations and members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. To pass, the resolution requires a minimum of nine affirmative votes and no objections from the five permanent council members: the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom. Currently, the U.S. is not in favor of further council intervention.
The revised timing for the vote was set for 5:30 p.m. (2230 GMT), subsequent to Blinken’s meeting in Washington with representatives from Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the Palestinian Authority, and Turkey.
The United States and Israel are not in favor of a cease-fire in Gaza, believing it would advantage Hamas, designated as a terrorist organization. The U.S. prefers temporary halts in hostilities to safeguard civilians and facilitate the release of individuals captured by Hamas during a significant attack on Israel on October 7.
Arab nations revived their call for a cease-fire following a warning by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres about the global repercussions of the conflict. Guterres, advocating for a humanitarian cease-fire, was slated to address the council on Friday.
The U.S. suggested significant changes to the UAE-proposed draft, including a strong condemnation of Hamas’s terrorist acts in Israel, particularly the October 7 attacks. These modifications were not included in the final draft for the vote.
The revised draft emphasized the protection of both Palestinian and Israeli civilians under international humanitarian law and demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
Israel reported that the October 7 attack by Hamas resulted in 1,200 fatalities and 240 hostages. In response, Israel has concentrated its military actions on Gaza, employing airstrikes, a blockade, and ground operations.
The Health Ministry in Gaza, controlled by Hamas, reported that 17,170 individuals had been killed, and a large portion of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced from their homes.
