US Willing to Back Revised UN Security Council Resolution for Increased Aid to Gaza
The US is prepared to back a UN Security Council resolution for increased aid to Gaza after revisions were made to the language, signaling potential progress in suspending the Israel-Hamas conflict
A source familiar with the text has revealed that a United Nations Security Council resolution aimed at suspending hostilities between Israel and Hamas and facilitating the entry of more aid into Gaza has been revised to a milder version, with the United States indicating its willingness to back it. The resolution is set for a vote on Friday, with the inclusion of language urging "urgent steps" to pave the way for a lasting ceasefire pivotal in swaying the United States' support. Diplomats have been engaged in prolonged negotiations throughout the week, fine-tuning the wording behind closed doors.
The current language calls for "urgent action to promptly facilitate safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, as well as to establish conditions for a sustainable halt to hostilities," as per the source.
A diplomatic insider had informed CNN earlier that sticking points in the talks over the proposed text involved the wording regarding the "halt to hostilities" and a request for the UN to "set up a monitoring system in the Gaza Strip, with the required staff and resources, under the supervision of the UN Secretary-General."
The US objected to the UN's proposal for a monitoring mechanism for aid in Gaza, citing concerns about slowing down critical assistance. Diplomats were working on a resolution drafted by the United Arab Emirates, with the US advocating for a more passive stance on the "urgent cessation" of hostilities called for in the original draft.
The official stated that Israel is aware of the situation and can tolerate it, attributing the delays to disagreements over the monitoring mechanism rather than the language on the cessation of hostilities. US ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield announced on Thursday that the US would now support the measure, after previously voting four times to delay a vote on the resolution.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby announced on Thursday that President Joe Biden had consulted with his national security team and various officials from the US and the UN regarding discussions on the resolution. The resolution on Friday reflects the increasing concern of the Biden administration over the brutal nature of the war in Gaza.
The US has previously vetoed measures at the UN Security Council and opposed a ceasefire in the larger UN General Assembly. Last week, the United Nations General Assembly voted to demand an immediate ceasefire in war-torn Gaza, in a clear message to the United States, which has consistently blocked ceasefire calls in the Security Council.
While the General Assembly vote is politically significant and seen as wielding moral weight, it is nonbinding, unlike a Security Council resolution.
