UN Security Council vote on humanitarian pause in Gaza postponed for the third time

UNSC President and Ecuador's Permanent Representative to the UN, Jose De La Gasca, along with the United Arab Emirates' Permanent Representative to the UN, Lana Nusseibeh, made statements to the press following a closed-door session regarding the draft resolution.

Gasca stated, "The UNSC has decided to continue negotiations on the draft and to allow a little more time for diplomacy. We are postponing the vote on the draft resolution until tomorrow morning."

Nusseibeh also noted that even if an agreement is not reached, the draft resolution will be put to a vote at some point, adding, "Everyone wants to see a resolution that will have an impact and create change on the ground."

Noting that all countries are focusing their attention on the draft at the highest levels, Nusseibeh assessed, "Diplomacy takes time. However, there is too much suffering on the ground. We must succeed."

Regarding discussions about the lack of trust in the UN regarding a monitoring mechanism, Nusseibeh said, "We trust the UN and believe it should play a role."

US OPPOSED

According to information obtained by an AA correspondent from UN sources, it is alleged that the US opposes the phrases in the draft resolution regarding "a pause in hostilities, and steps leading to a sustainable cessation of hostilities" as well as the provision granting the UN authority to monitor aid.

The draft resolution demands an urgent pause in hostilities to ensure uninterrupted and safe access to humanitarian aid in Gaza, while pointing out that the pause should lead to steps toward a sustainable cessation of hostilities.

The draft resolution, which calls on all parties to fulfill their duty to protect civilians in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law, requests the UN Secretary-General to establish a mechanism for the monitoring of aid.