6:35 a.m.: New attempt in the UN Security Council for a ceasefire
Ten days after an American veto, the Security Council will try this Monday to agree on a new text calling for an “urgent and permanent cessation of hostilities” in Gaza. On December 9, the United States blocked the adoption of a resolution calling for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” in the Council, despite unprecedented pressure from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Last week, the General Assembly adopted the same resolution with 153 votes in favor, 10 against and 23 abstentions from 193 member states. With this overwhelming support, the Arab countries announced a new attempt in the Security Council, the outcome of which is still uncertain.
The new draft text prepared by the United Arab Emirates specifically calls for the parties to the conflict to facilitate the entry and distribution of humanitarian aid throughout the Gaza Strip “by land, sea and air.” The draft also reiterates its support for the two-state solution and “highlights the importance of uniting the Gaza Strip and the West Bank under the umbrella of the Palestinian Authority.”
Like the previous text and the one adopted by the General Assembly, this text does not mention Hamas by name, an absence that is systematically castigated by the United States and Israel. On the other hand, he condemns “all indiscriminate attacks on civilians”, “all acts of terrorism” and calls for the release of the hostages.