United Nations: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is expected to vote on Tuesday on an Algerian resolution on an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Israel’s deadly war against Gaza, although the United States again appears poised to block it. Algeria, the Council’s only Arab member, circulated the original draft resolution more than two weeks ago. But US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield wasted no time, saying Algeria’s move could jeopardize “sensitive negotiations” aimed at brokering a pause in the war.
The latest version of the text “calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire that must be respected by all parties”. It also “rejects the forced displacement of the Palestinian civilian population” and “demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.” Israel’s relentless attacks on Gaza since October 7 have killed at least 28,775 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 68,552.
Algeria’s move follows a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) last month, which ordered Israel to prevent death, destruction and any other acts of genocide in besieged Gaza. The court asked Israel to do everything in its power to “prevent the commission of all acts within the scope” of the Genocide Convention. According to the judgment, Israel must take “all measures within its power to prevent and punish direct and public incitement to commit genocide.” It also said Israel must take “immediate and effective measures to enable the delivery of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian aid to address the adverse living conditions facing Palestinians.” In addition, the court ruled that Israel must try to limit the death and damage in Gaza.
Algeria asked on Saturday for the Council to vote on Tuesday, diplomats said. A UN Security Council resolution needs at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes from the United States, Britain, France, China or Russia to pass. “The United States does not support action on this draft resolution. If voted on as proposed, it will not pass,” Thomas-Greenfield said in a statement Saturday. The United States traditionally protects its ally Israel from UN action and has twice vetoed Council action since October 7. However, they abstained twice, allowing the Council to adopt resolutions aimed at increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza and calling for an urgent and extended humanitarian pause in the fighting.
