The United Nations Security Council has delayed a vote on a resolution for the second day in a row. This resolution calls for Israel and Hamas to provide more humanitarian aid and pauses in the fighting to make that possible. This is due to the United States’ participation in discussions on what it might allow to pass.
The decision to delay followed intense, closed-door negotiations and a Security Council session where diplomats discussed the war in Gaza. It also came after days of negotiations since Friday. At this time, the United Arab Emirates, which put forth the resolution, circulated the text among members.
Discussions have primarily focused on the necessity for the council to act, as conditions worsen for Palestinian civilians in Gaza. UN Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland emphasized the “human catastrophe on the ground” during his address to the council.
The draft resolution was set to vote and would have called for the suspension of fighting to allow the safe delivery of humanitarian relief to Gaza, as well as the immediate release of hostages held in Gaza. It also included a proposal for the United Nations to monitor aid deliveries.
The United States has been the only member to block immediate and permanent cease-fire demands, vetoing two such resolutions. The Biden administration is facing pressure, both internationally and domestically, to do more to help Palestinian civilians and end the war.
Negotiations before the latest vote centered around finding middle ground that would have a significant impact in Gaza, according to diplomats.
The United Arab Emirates, the only Arab member of the Council, put forth the resolution after the text was modified in negotiations. The resolution also calls for the establishment of a UN monitoring system for delivering aid and states that commercial goods need to be allowed into Gaza. This is because humanitarian aid alone will not be sufficient after two months of intense fighting that has severely damaged Gaza’s infrastructure.
The UN World Food Program stated earlier this month that nearly 60 percent of people in Gaza were on the brink of starvation. Additionally, UN officials have warned about the catastrophic situation and its irreversible consequences.
Over 1.2 million people are displaced and sheltering in close quarters without proper hygiene and clean water. Disease is spreading quickly, and medical centers throughout the territory are struggling with lack of supplies and electricity. The UN has reported groups of people attacking its aid trucks to find food and water.