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UN wants ‘to get back on track’ with Gaza Security Council vote
Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, says the ideal outcome of the upcoming Security Council vote for a ceasefire in Gaza “is a strong unified voice”.
“Calling for an end to the conflict, for full access to the UN and its partners, for the release of the hostages, and for us to get back on track to a two-state solution regardless how distant that dream may currently be,” Dujarric told Al Jazeera.
The UN Security Council will vote at 20:00 GMT on a resolution calling for a ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access in Gaza, a measure expected to fail because of a US veto.
UN Security Council feels deep frustration over Gaza crisis
I think the United Nations Security Council has been looking at what has been transpiring in Gaza, just like the rest of the world has been watching, and they’re deeply frustrated.
They’re frustrated the council has not been able to do anything to stop the bloodshed, to open up the border crossings, to get more aid in to the people of Gaza who need it the most. And I think you’re sensing, particularly from the elected 10 members of the council, but really universally, deep, deep, frustration that they have to do more.
The last time the Security Council had a resolution on Gaza was in November of last year – 14 Security Council members voted for it, one did not, and that was the United States, which vetoed it.
That was the fourth time the US has vetoed a Gaza ceasefire resolution. Since November until now, you’ve seen the killing continue, the starvation of Palestinians in Gaza continue, and I think this was the moment when the Security Council as a whole said that they have to get this draft through to get more pressure on the Israelis to stop.
UN Security Council prepares to vote on Gaza ceasefire resolution
The UNSC has kicked off a meeting in which members will vote on a resolution that calls for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza respected by all parties; the immediate, dignified and unconditional release of all captives held by Palestinian groups in Gaza; and the immediate and unconditional lifting of all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
US ambassador says resolution a ‘non-starter’
In remarks before the start of the voting, US envoy Dorothy Shea said she will not back the resolution.
“United States opposition to this resolution should come as no surprise,” said Shea.
“The United States has taken the very clear position since this conflict began that Israel has the right to defend itself, which includes defeating Hamas and ensuring they are never again in a position to threaten Israel. In this regard, any product that undermines our close ally Israel’s security is a non-starter.
