Above photo: A Security Council meeting at the United Nations headquarters on November 19, 2024. AP.
A draft resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire was put up for a vote in the UNSC on Wednesday.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will vote on a draft resolution calling for an “immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire to be respected by all parties in the Gaza Strip, informed sources told Al Mayadeen.
A session will convene at 10:00 am (EST) on Wednesday to vote on the draft resolution.
Informed sources explained that the draft resolution reiterates the Council’s demand for the “immediate and unconditional release” of all captives and rejects “any effort to starve the Palestinian population.”
The resolution also calls for “immediate access to essential services and humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza, facilitating the wide-scale entry and delivery of humanitarian assistance, including to civilians in the besieged north Gaza.”
During the drafting process, which extended late into the night, “the United States objected to a clause referencing the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ)” against the Israeli regime, including the cessation of hostilities in Rafah, sources told Al Mayadeen.
The language was eventually revised to “delete any direct reference to the ICJ’s provisional measures but retained a statement affirming respect for the ICJ and its functions,” as a compromise.
Moreover, the final draft resolution did not include a US request for “language establishing a permanent mechanism to review allegations raised by Israel regarding alleged ties between UNRWA staff and Hamas.”
Additionally, the US was unable to secure the inclusion of language “explicitly condemning Hamas.”
The draft in blue emphasizes the protection of civilians, particularly women, children, and those incapable of combat. It condemns attacks on “civilians and civilian targets, as well as all acts of violence and hostilities against civilians and all acts of terrorism,” sources explained.
Earlier in June, the UNSC adopted a resolution welcoming the Gaza ceasefire proposal put forth by US President Joe Biden. The resolution, drafted by the United States, received overwhelming support, with 14 members voting in favor and Russia abstaining.
The ceasefire proposal, announced by Biden on May 31, outlines a new three-phase plan aimed at achieving “a lasting cessation of hostilities” in the Gaza Strip and the release of all captives held by Hamas.
Hamas welcomed the ceasefire proposal. “We welcome the contents of the Security Council resolution regarding a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, complete withdrawal, the return of displaced persons, and reconstruction.”
However, Hamas’ position was rendered obsolete after the Israeli government derailed the negotiations and rescinded its initial approval of Biden’s proposal.
The US has just vetoed another ceasefire resolution in the UN Security Council, and, in doing so, proves once again to the world that it is fully committed to the continuation of the genocide in Palestine. Even as we seek accountability for Israeli perpetrators, we must also seek…
— Craig Mokhiber (@CraigMokhiber) November 20, 2024