The United Nations Security Council is set to vote on Tuesday regarding an Algerian proposal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, but the United States has indicated it would veto the resolution.
Algeria initially presented the draft over two weeks ago, but US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield expressed concerns about jeopardizing ongoing negotiations for a pause in the war. Algeria has requested a vote on Tuesday, and for the resolution to be adopted, it needs at least nine votes in favor with no vetoes from the US, Britain, France, China, or Russia.
Thomas-Greenfield stated that the U.S. does not support the current draft resolution, and if voted on as is, it will not be adopted. The U.S. traditionally shields Israel from UN action, and it has already vetoed council actions twice since October 7. However, the US has also abstained twice, allowing resolutions supporting humanitarian aid to Gaza and calling for urgent humanitarian pauses to be adopted.
Ongoing talks involve the US, Egypt, Israel, and Qatar, aiming for a pause in the war and the release of hostages held by Hamas. Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the need for other parties to support this process rather than proposing measures that could jeopardize a lasting resolution. The Gaza war began when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, resulting in casualties and capturing hostages. In retaliation, Israel launched a military assault on Gaza, causing significant Palestinian casualties.
The potential council vote coincides with Israel’s plans to enter Rafah in southern Gaza, where over a million Palestinians have sought shelter. There are concerns that such a move could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the situation in Gaza as an “appalling indictment” of the deadlock in global relations, highlighting the lack of unity in the Security Council as a hindrance to improving global situations.
