US expected to veto latest Gaza ceasefire resolution at UN Security Council

Diplomats at the United Nations say the United States will likely veto a Security Council resolution demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages when it comes up for a vote later today.

The resolution, drafted by the council’s 10 elected members who serve two-year terms, goes further than previous drafts to highlight what diplomats call the “deepening of suffering ” of Palestinian civilians in the nearly two-year war in the Gaza Strip, expressing alarm about a recent famine report and Israel’s expanding offensive in Gaza City.

In opposing similar resolutions since November, the US has complained that the demands, including a ceasefire, were not directly linked to the release of hostages and would only embolden Hamas.

Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon blasts the new resolution, saying it would “not release the hostages and will not bring security to the region.”

“Israel will continue to fight Hamas and protect its citizens, even if the Security Council prefers to turn a blind eye to terrorism,” he says in a statement.

All 14 other members of the council are expected to vote in favor of the resolution, which describes the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “catastrophic” and calls on Israel to lift all restrictions on the delivery of aid to the 2.1 million Palestinians in the territory.