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By Michelle Nichols
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – The United Nations Security Council is likely to vote on Tuesday on Algeria’s push for the 15-member body to call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas, diplomats said, a move reported from the United States. would veto.
Algeria presented a first draft resolution more than two weeks ago. But US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield quickly said the text could jeopardize “sensitive negotiations” aimed at brokering a pause in the war.
Algeria requested on Saturday that the Council vote on Tuesday, diplomats said. To be adopted, the UN Security Council resolution requires at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes from the United States, Great Britain, France, China or Russia.
“The United States does not support action on this draft resolution. If it is voted on as drafted, it will not be adopted,” Thomas-Greenfield said in a statement Saturday.
Washington traditionally shields its ally Israel from UN action and has already twice vetoed the council’s action since October 7. But he also abstained twice, allowing the council to adopt resolutions that aimed to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza and called for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses. in fighting.
Talks are underway between the United States, Egypt, Israel and Qatar to seek a pause in the war and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
“It is vital that other parties give this process the best chance of success, rather than promoting measures that jeopardize it – and the opportunity for a lasting resolution of hostilities,” Thomas-Greenfield said.
The Gaza war began when fighters from the Hamas militant group that rules Gaza attacked Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people and taking 253 hostages, according to Israeli counts. In retaliation, Israel launched a military attack on Gaza that health authorities say has killed more than 28,000 Palestinians and thousands more bodies are feared missing in the ruins.
The likely council vote comes as Israel also plans to storm Rafah in southern Gaza, where more than 1 million Palestinians have sought refuge, sparking international concern that such a move would dramatically worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“The situation in Gaza is a terrible indictment of the stalemate in global relations,” U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at the Munich Security Conference on Friday.
When asked to explain, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Guterres was “pointing the finger” at the lack of unity in the Security Council “and how that lack of unity has hindered our ability… to improve situations all over the world”.