The Arab nations are bringing a U.N. resolution to vote, seeking an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza despite the expected U.S. veto, aiming to demonstrate global support for ending the Israel-Hamas conflict. The U.S. plans to veto the Arab-backed resolution, concerned it could disrupt ongoing efforts to broker a deal between the warring parties, including a proposed six-week halt to hostilities and the release of hostages taken during a recent Hamas attack in southern Israel. Ahead of the vote, the U.S. has introduced its own resolution supporting a temporary cease-fire in Gaza tied to the release of hostages and the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid, with the goal of creating conditions for a sustainable end to hostilities.
The U.S. emphasizes that the Arab-backed resolution does not effectively address the key objectives of releasing hostages, increasing aid, and achieving a lasting pause in the conflict. The U.S. intends to engage in intensive negotiations on its draft resolution rather than rushing to a vote, acknowledging the urgency of the situation. Arab nations, backed by numerous U.N. member states, have long been advocating for a cease-fire as Israel’s military operations intensify in response to recent escalations.
The Arab-backed resolution calls for an immediate cease-fire, the release of hostages, rejection of forced displacement of Palestinian civilians, unhindered humanitarian access in Gaza, and compliance with international law by both Israel and Hamas. It also condemns all acts of terrorism. The U.S. draft resolution warns against Israel’s planned ground offensive in Rafah and further displacement of civilians, highlighting the potential consequences for regional peace and security. The U.S. stresses ongoing efforts to secure a hostage deal, involving multiple calls between President Biden and regional leaders.
After the U.S. vetoes the Arab-backed resolution, the Arab Group may take it to the U.N. General Assembly, where it is likely to be approved but won’t be legally binding like Security Council resolutions. The Security Council is expected to discuss the longer U.S. draft resolution, which condemns Hamas’s attack, hostage-taking, killings, and other atrocities, while also addressing concerns about Israel’s actions.
