"The United States under pressure in the United Nations Security Council vote on Gaza."

 

The United States under pressure in the United Nations Security Council vote on Gaza.

The United Nations Security Council will vote on Thursday on the latest call for a ceasefire in Gaza and increased humanitarian aid. Despite repeated vetoes by the United States, the majority of member states have supported the move. News agency AFP reported this from the UN.

In response to the UN's formal declaration of famine following nearly two years of Israeli aggression in the Palestinian territory, 10 non-permanent members began discussions on the current draft resolution at the end of August.

An earlier draft had initially called for the removal of obstacles to aid delivery.

The previous US veto sparked unusual anger among the other 14 council members, who are increasingly expressing frustration at their clear inability to pressure Israel into alleviating the suffering of Gaza’s residents.

AFP reviewed the draft prepared for Thursday’s vote. It calls for unimpeded access to humanitarian aid and demands that all parties agree to an "immediate, unconditional, and lasting ceasefire in Gaza" and the "immediate, unconditional release of all hostages."

The United States has already rejected this proposal multiple times. Most recently, in June, it used its veto to support its ally Israel.

A European diplomat told AFP that the latest effort aims to refuse to yield to the threat of a US veto.

He added, “Not trying would make things too easy for the United States. Because then they don’t have to justify their position or face the 14 other council members and the global public.”

The diplomat said, “It won't help Palestinians much on the ground. But at least we can show that we are trying.”

For the first time on Tuesday, a UN-mandated international commission of inquiry released its independent analysis, accusing Israel of committing "genocide" in Gaza since October 2023 with the intent of "destroying" the Palestinian people.

The issue is expected to be at the center of next week’s annual United Nations summit in New York.