The United Nations is currently witnessing intense negotiations ahead of the expected vote on Tuesday on a new resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza to allow the entry of essential aid, as reported by CNN.
Originally scheduled for a vote on Monday, the resolution was postponed by a day to allow more time for negotiations.
At the heart of these discussions is the wording of the resolution, which aims to secure a “yes” vote or at least an abstention from the United States, a move that would facilitate the passage of the measure.
The initial draft of the resolution called for a “halt to hostilities” to enable the desperately needed aid to reach Gaza. Diplomats hoped that altering the wording to “suspension of hostilities” might garner U.S. support, according to the network.
The United States has previously exercised its veto power against similar measures in the Security Council and voted against a call for a ceasefire in the expanded General Assembly.
CNN reports that if the United States allows the resolution to pass, it would send a significant signal to Israel, including from one of its biggest allies, about the growing international outrage over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The vote is expected to take place later on Tuesday when the Security Council meets at 10 a.m. Eastern Time, although other matters are anticipated to be discussed before addressing the Middle East issue.
Since October 7, the Israeli military has waged a devastating war on Gaza, resulting in thousands of deaths and injuries, massive infrastructure destruction, and an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, according to Palestinian and UN sources.
The Gaza Health Ministry has reported a death toll of 19,667 and approximately 52.6 thousand injuries since October 7.
The Israeli military has also announced the loss of 463 soldiers in the Gaza Strip battles.
