Gaza Ceasefire Vote Faces U.S. Opposition at U.N. \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The U.N. Security Council is set to vote on a resolution demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The U.S. is expected to veto it, citing concerns over hostage releases. The resolution also demands unrestricted humanitarian aid and restoration of critical services across Gaza.
Quick Looks
- U.N. Security Council to vote Wednesday on permanent Gaza ceasefire resolution.
- The draft demands an “immediate, unconditional and permanent” halt to fighting.
- U.S. likely to veto resolution, citing lack of hostage release conditions.
- Resolution also calls for unrestricted humanitarian aid into Gaza.
- Aid groups and the U.N. reject new Israeli aid distribution system as inadequate.
- Gaza’s food system has collapsed; 2 million rely on foreign aid.
- Israel’s March 2 blockade choked aid until limited relief resumed late last month.
- 620 trucks entered Gaza since then; much aid looted or blocked.
- Over 54,000 Palestinians killed, mostly women and children, per Gaza Health Ministry.
- Hamas still holds 58 hostages from its October 7, 2023 attack.
Deep Look
The U.N. Security Council is preparing for a contentious vote Wednesday afternoon on a new resolution demanding an “immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza,” amid ongoing humanitarian catastrophe and daily violence. Drafted by the Council’s ten elected members, the resolution is a direct response to the worsening conditions in Gaza and the continuing standoff between Israel and Hamas.
While 14 Gaza-related resolutions have been put to a vote since Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, only four have passed. The latest resolution echoes one blocked by the U.S. last November, which also sought a permanent ceasefire. Diplomats close to the discussions say the United States is once again expected to veto the resolution, primarily because it doesn’t condition the ceasefire on the immediate release of hostages still held by Hamas.
Humanitarian Collapse in Gaza
The resolution points to a “catastrophic” humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, where over 2 million residents are now almost entirely dependent on foreign aid. Israel’s ongoing military offensive has destroyed Gaza’s food production systems, and an Israeli-imposed blockade on March 2 further cut off vital supplies. Although international pressure prompted Israel to partially lift the blockade late last month, aid flow remains minimal and inconsistent.
According to U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, since the partial reopening, just over 620 truckloads have crossed from Israel into Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing. Of those, only around 370 truckloads reached deeper into the strip to people in need. Much of the aid has been looted, including by armed groups, further hindering distribution.
“The unimpeded entry of humanitarian assistance at scale must be restored immediately,” Dujarric stressed, calling for the U.N. to operate under full respect for humanitarian principles, including neutrality, independence, and safety for aid workers.
Resolution Criticizes Israeli-U.S. Aid System
The current resolution also denounces a new Israeli and U.S.-backed aid delivery system, which operates within Israeli military zones. The system is intended to bypass Hamas-controlled areas, but the U.N. has rejected it as inadequate. Officials argue it allows Israel to use aid as a political tool, and fails to meet international humanitarian standards.
The draft resolution explicitly calls for the “immediate and unconditional lifting of all restrictions” on humanitarian aid and demands that it be delivered at scale by the U.N. and other humanitarian partners, without obstruction. It also reiterates calls for the restoration of all essential services in Gaza, including healthcare, electricity, water, and sanitation—all of which have been devastated in the conflict.
Hostage Crisis Continues
The October 7 attack by Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people in southern Israel and led to the abduction of 251 hostages. According to Israeli authorities, 58 hostages remain in captivity, with roughly a third believed to still be alive. Previous ceasefire agreements and negotiations have resulted in the release of many captives, but the remaining cases continue to serve as a major sticking point in ceasefire negotiations.
The U.S. position has consistently emphasized that any lasting ceasefire must include the unconditional release of all hostages. This condition was central to the U.S. veto in November 2023, and according to diplomats speaking anonymously, it is the key reason Washington may again block the current resolution.
As of Tuesday, the U.S. Mission to the U.N. had no official comment, and Israel’s U.N. delegation did not respond to inquiries about the resolution.
Mounting Death Toll and International Pressure
Gaza’s Health Ministry, which operates under the Hamas-run government but is considered credible by U.N. agencies and independent monitors, reports that more than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s military campaign. Most of the dead, the ministry says, are women and children. The Israeli government disputes the figures, questioning the inclusion of Hamas militants in the reported toll.
International pressure on Israel and its allies has grown as hunger, displacement, and civilian casualties mount. While the U.S. continues to provide military and diplomatic support to Israel, there are rising calls within the global community and humanitarian sector for more balanced engagement that protects civilians and ensures sustained aid delivery.
The outcome of the vote may once again demonstrate the deep divisions on the Security Council and the ongoing struggle to address a crisis that shows no sign of slowing. Unless consensus is reached—or the U.S. modifies its stance—the Gaza ceasefire resolution is likely to become the 15th Security Council vote on Gaza since October 2023, and potentially the fifth to fail.
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