Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – The United Nations (UN) Security Council (DK) is likely to vote next Tuesday to demand a humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. This happened after Algeria pushed for the vote.
Several diplomats told Reuters that Algiers requested on Saturday (17/2/2024) that the council vote on Tuesday. To be adopted, a UNSC resolution requires at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes from the United States (US), Britain, France, China or Russia.
But US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield was quick to say the agreement could jeopardize “sensitive negotiations” aimed at brokering a pause in the war.
“The US does not support action on this draft resolution. If the resolution is put to a vote as drafted, it will not be adopted,” Thomas-Greenfield said in a statement quoted by Reuters.
Washington usually protects its ally Israel from UN action and has twice vetoed UNSC action since October 7. But the US also abstained twice, allowing the UNSC to adopt a resolution aimed at increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza and calling for a humanitarian pause.
On the other hand, talks between the US, Egypt, Israel and Qatar are underway to seek a pause in the war and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
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Photo: This image taken from the southern Gaza Strip shows a salvo of rockets fired towards Israel on December 4, 2023, amid continuing fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. (AFP/SAID KHATIB)
This image taken from the southern Gaza Strip shows a volley of rockets fired towards Israel on December 4, 2023, amid continuing fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Israel has expanded its ground war against Hamas as far south as Gaza, witnesses said on December 4, despite global concern over rising civilian deaths and fears the conflict will spread elsewhere in the Middle East. (Photo by SAID KHATIB / AFP) |
“It is critical that other parties provide the best possible chance for the success of this process, rather than forcing actions that would actually jeopardize it, and the opportunity for resolution of ongoing hostilities,” added Thomas-Greenfield.
The Gaza War began when fighters from the Hamas militant group that controls Gaza attacked Israel on October 7. The attack killed 1,200 people and resulted in 253 Israeli citizens being kidnapped and taken to Gaza.
In retaliation, Israel launched a military attack on Gaza. According to Gaza health authorities, Tel Aviv's attacks have killed more than 28,000 Palestinians and thousands of bodies are feared lost amid the rubble.
Meanwhile, Algeria's proposed DK vote comes at a time when Israel is also planning to storm Rafah in South Gaza, where more than 1 million Palestinians have sought refuge. This sparked global concern that the action would worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“The situation in Gaza is dire evidence of the impasse in global relations,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at the Munich Security Conference on Friday.
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(tps/wur)