Critical Gaza vote today
The UN Security Council (UNSC) is scheduled to vote this morning on a draft resolution that the US has been negotiating for some time.
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The draft resolution condemns all forms of terrorism and expresses appreciation for the initiatives led by Egypt and Qatar.
The draft, which points to the importance of turning the ceasefire to be achieved into a sustainable one, notes that "Hamas and other terrorist and extremist groups do not represent the Palestinian people" and that Hamas has been "designated as a terrorist organization by some member states."
The draft resolution emphasizes that Gaza is part of the territory occupied in 1967 and expresses support for a two-state solution.
"ALL HOSTAGES MUST BE RELEASED"
The draft resolution states, "It is essential to achieve an immediate and sustainable ceasefire to protect civilians on all sides, to allow for the delivery of essential humanitarian aid, to alleviate suffering, and to ensure that such a ceasefire is accompanied by the release of all remaining hostages."
The draft resolution notes that this ceasefire should be seen as an opportunity to create the conditions for a more sustainable cessation of hostilities and calls for increased diplomatic efforts in this direction.
The draft, which calls on all parties to comply with international law and international humanitarian law, demands the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as the provision of access for humanitarian aid.
The draft resolution opposes the forced displacement of the civilian population in Gaza, stating that this would violate international law, international humanitarian law, and international human rights law.
ELECTED UNSC MEMBERS ALSO PREPARING A DRAFT
The 10 elected members of the UNSC are also preparing a draft resolution regarding the situation in Gaza.
The text, known as the "E-10" draft resolution, demands an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan.
The draft resolution, which calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, also demands the expansion of humanitarian aid distribution and the removal of obstacles to it.
On the other hand, France, which has been convening the UNSC for closed-door sessions on Gaza for two weeks, is also preparing a draft resolution. It is stated that the French draft will focus on a permanent ceasefire at a later stage.