New UN resolution to end Israeli bombing adjusts to US demands for approval
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A resolution calling for a ceasefire on humanitarian grounds in Gaza, which had been delayed for a month due to objections raised by the US over certain wording, will finally be presented in the UN Security Council with the green signal from the US.
The new draft of the resolution, which heeded the US demand to avoid terms like 'permanent ceasefire' and 'urgent suspension of hostilities,' will be discussed today. It emphasizes 'urgent steps' to immediately facilitate safe and unhindered humanitarian access while creating conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities.
The amended resolution proposes the appointment of a "senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator" responsible for facilitating, coordinating, monitoring, and verifying the humanitarian nature of aid consignments in Gaza.
The coordinator is expected to establish a UN mechanism for expediting the provision of humanitarian relief while consulting with all relevant parties, notably Israel. The draft resolution also demands cooperation from conflicting parties with the appointed coordinator to fulfil their mandate without delay or obstruction.
Despite concerns about potential watering down, the US ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, asserted that the revised resolution remains robust and is fully supported by the Arab group.
The US argued that the original wording, giving the UN exclusive control over a humanitarian delivery mechanism lasting a year, was inflexible and could impede emergency supplies.
The removal of the call for a suspension of hostilities is seen as a relief for Israel, which has rejected deadlines for concluding its offensive.
However, critics argue that the revised language around creating conditions for a cessation of hostilities is ambiguous and may pose challenges, particularly for Russia. Richard Gowan, UN director at the International Crisis Group, noted that the language around the coordinator is convoluted, providing little guidance or leverage to the UN.