The UN Security Council will vote on February 20 over Algeria’s proposal for an immediate cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas, but the US is likely to veto the proposal, according to The Telegraph.
Algeria put forward the original draft resolution more than a fortnight ago. But US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield quickly said the text could jeopardise “sensitive negotiations” aimed at bringing about a respite in the war.
The UN Security Council resolution needs at least nine votes in favour and no vetoes from the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia to pass.
“The United States does not support action on this draft resolution. Should it come up for a vote as drafted, it will not be adopted,” Thomas-Greenfield said in a statement on Saturday.
The White House has already vetoed Council decisions twice since 7 October, but it has also twice abstained, allowing the council to pass resolutions increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza and calling for urgent and prolonged humanitarian pauses in the fighting.
In turn, talks between the US, Egypt, Israel and Qatar continue to push for a pause in the war and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
“It is critical that other parties give this process the best odds of succeeding, rather than push measures that put it – and the opportunity for an enduring resolution of hostilities – in jeopardy,” she said.
The war in Gaza began on 7 October after Hamas attacked Israel, resulting in the killing of 1,200 people and the taking of 253 hostages, according to Israeli estimates. In response, Israel launched a military offensive on Gaza that has killed more than 28,000 Palestinians, with thousands more bodies reported missing, according to health authorities.
The council vote comes as Israel also plans to storm Rafah in southern Gaza, where more than 1 million Palestinians have taken refuge. “The situation in Gaza is an appalling indictment of the deadlock in global relations,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the Munich Security Conference on Friday.
