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Friday, March 22, 2024
Security Council to vote on new draft resolution on Gaza truce leading to permanent ceasefire
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The United Nations Security Council will vote tomorrow on a new draft resolution that seeks an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, diplomats say, but the United States has indicated it may veto it.
The vote will come a day after the US put forward a text on the need for a ceasefire that was vetoed by Russia and China and opposed by Arab states, which said it was not explicit enough in pressuring Israel.
The vote on the resolution, led in part by Algeria, the Arab nation currently on the 15-member Security Council, is expected at 10 a.m. (1400 GMT), three diplomats say.
The draft resolution, seen by AFP, “demands an immediate ceasefire” for the ongoing Muslim holy month of Ramadan that leads “to a permanent sustainable ceasefire” respected by all sides.
It also demands both the “immediate and unconditional” release of hostages seized in the October 7 attack by Hamas and humanitarian access in the Gaza Strip.
Three European nations — Malta, Slovenia and Switzerland — are co-sponsoring the resolution, along with Mozambique, Guyana and Sierra Leone.
Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.
The Times of Israel Community.