The Council has been divided over the Israel-Hamas war since the Oct 7 attacks, approving only two of eight resolutions, with both dealing mainly with humanitarian aid to the devastated Gaza Strip.
Permanent Council member and key Israel backer the United States has unequivocally supported Israel’s right to defend itself following Hamas’s unprecedented attacks.
Last Friday, the Security Council voted on a draft submitted by the United States that called for an “immediate” ceasefire linked to the release of hostages.
China and Russia vetoed the resolution, criticising it for stopping short of explicitly demanding Israel halt its campaign.
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The new text, according to the version seen by AFP on Sunday, “demands an immediate ceasefire” for the ongoing Muslim holy month of Ramadan, “leading to a permanent sustainable ceasefire”.
It also “demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages as well as the “lifting of all barriers to the provision of humanitarian assistance at scale”.
The text is being put forward by non-permanent members of the Security Council, which worked with the United States over the weekend to avoid a veto, according to diplomats speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity.
Beijing, which is a permanent Council member and holds veto power, said Monday it supported the resolution.
“This draft takes a clear stand in demanding a ceasefire and expanding humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, and thereby accord with the correct orientation of the Security Council’s actions,” Lin said.
“At present, the conflict in Gaza is dragging on, causing a humanitarian crisis,” he said.
“The international community expects the Security Council to practically and comprehensively fulfil its duties,” he added.
Source: CNA
