The United States expects to veto a new ceasefire request at the United Nations
The United Nations Security Council is expected to vote on Tuesday on a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, which the United States will veto, according to diplomatic sources.
More than two weeks ago, Algeria presented a first draft resolution calling for an end to the violence. But U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield quickly said the text could jeopardize “sensitive negotiations” aimed at halting the war.
Algeria requested this Saturday that the Council vote on it on Tuesday. To be adopted, a UN Security Council resolution requires at least nine yes votes and no veto, which can be cast by the US, Britain, France, China or Russia. “The United States does not support action on this draft resolution. “If voted on as written, it will not pass,” Thomas-Greenfield said in a statement released Saturday.
Washington traditionally protects its ally Israel from UN measures and has vetoed Council measures twice since October 7th. He also abstained twice, allowing the adoption of resolutions increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza and calling for urgent and prolonged humanitarian pauses in the fighting.
Talks are currently underway between the US, Egypt, Israel and Qatar about a ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages. “It is critical to give this process the best chance of success, rather than encouraging actions that jeopardize it, as well as the possibility of a lasting resolution of hostilities,” the US mission to the organization added.
The council vote comes as Israel also plans to storm Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, where more than a million Palestinians have sought refuge, sparking international fears that such a move would dramatically worsen Gaza's humanitarian crisis.
“The situation in Gaza is a terrible sign of the stagnation in global relations,” complained UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the Munich Security Conference. It was an indication of the lack of unity in the Security Council, as they later clarified: “And how this lack of unity has hindered our ability to improve the situation around the world.” (Portal)