The Slovenian envoy to the United Nations and current president of the UN Security Council for September, stated on Wednesday that the patience of Council members is running thin, indicating that action might be considered soon if a ceasefire in Gaza is not achieved. Slovenian UN envoy Samuel Zbogar expressed growing concern within the Council about the need to act in one way or another, either by achieving a ceasefire or by considering what the Council can do to facilitate it.
“I am absolutely sure that in September, things will have to move in one direction or another, not because we want them to, but because I believe that patience has run out,” he said.
Yesterday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres questioned how the warring parties in Gaza could agree on a truce to allow for the vaccination of about 640,000 Palestinian children against polio but not on a ceasefire.
The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2735 in June, which supported a three-phase plan proposed by U.S. President Joe Biden to cease fire and release hostages in Gaza. However, mediation efforts led by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. have not yet resulted in an agreement.
When asked about the actions the Security Council could take if the June resolution is not implemented soon, Zbogar mentioned that there are many tools at the Council’s disposal, adding, “We must move forward in implementing Resolution 2735 because the Council has been waiting for three months for this resolution to be enacted.”
Meanwhile, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated yesterday on the platform “X” that he is working to stop the negotiations aimed at a prisoner exchange deal and a truce in Gaza. The Hebrew Broadcasting Authority speculated that mediators would likely present a compromise proposal tomorrow to reach an agreement for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange.
