The United Nations Security Council is set to vote on Tuesday regarding an Algerian proposal for the 15-member body to call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Diplomats anticipate that the United States will likely veto the resolution.
The initial draft resolution was presented by Algeria over two weeks ago, but the U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, expressed concerns that the text could jeopardize ongoing negotiations aimed at brokering a pause in the hostilities.
Algeria has requested a vote on Tuesday, with the resolution needing at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes from the United States, Britain, France, China, or Russia to be adopted. Thomas-Greenfield stated that the U.S. does not support action on this draft resolution and emphasized that if voted on as drafted, it will not be adopted. The U.S. traditionally shields Israel from UN action, having already vetoed council actions twice since October 7.
However, the U.S. has also abstained twice, allowing the adoption of resolutions supporting humanitarian aid to Gaza and calling for urgent humanitarian pauses in fighting.
Ongoing talks involving the U.S., Egypt, Israel, and Qatar aim to secure a pause in the conflict and the release of hostages held by Hamas. Thomas-Greenfield stressed the importance of giving this diplomatic process the best chance of success, urging against measures that could jeopardize it.
The Gaza war originated with an attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, resulting in casualties and captured hostages. In response, Israel launched a military assault on Gaza, leading to a significant loss of Palestinian lives. The impending Security Council vote coincides with Israel’s plans to enter Rafah in southern Gaza, raising concerns about worsening the humanitarian crisis.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, addressing the situation in Gaza, highlighted the deadlock in global relations and the lack of unity in the Security Council, which has impeded efforts to address crises worldwide.
