UNSC to vote on resolution demanding immediate Gaza ceasefire, freeing of hostages

The UN Security Council is slated to vote later Wednesday on a resolution demanding “an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire” in Gaza along with the “immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.”

It remains unclear whether the United States, Israel’s closest ally, will veto the measure or abstain, which would allow it to pass. The four other permanent members — Russia, China, Britain and France — are expected to support it or abstain.

Israel is opposed to the resolution for not making a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas explicitly linked. In March, the US abstained on a similar resolution adopted by the Security Council that called for an immediate ceasefire during Ramadan, saying that their inclusion in the same paragraph meant they are equal requirements for a deal.