UNSC non-permanent members prepare Gaza ceasefire draft resolution

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
20 Mar 2024 03:03

The draft expresses deep concern about the humanitarian disaster in Gaza and reiterates the call for all parties to adhere to their obligations under international law.

The Security Council meets before voting on a resolution concerning a ceasefire in Gaza at the United Nations headquarters, Tuesday, February 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

A draft resolution by the 10 non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council over the war in Gaza is being prepared for a vote, Al Mayadeen learned from diplomatic sources.

The 10 non-permanent members are Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana, India, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico, Norway, and the United Arab Emirates.

According to the sources, the draft calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire during the month of Ramadan that would lead to a permanent cessation of hostilities.

It demands the immediate and widespread entry of aid into the Gaza Strip with guaranteed safe distribution, as well as the "unconditional and immediate release" of all captives held by the Palestinian Resistance in Gaza.

The draft expresses deep concern about the humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip and reiterates the call for all parties to adhere to their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

Al Mayadeen's correspondent noted that the timing for the vote on the resolution has not been determined yet.

This comes as earlier, Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected an appeal from US President Joe Biden to put off a planned ground invasion on Rafah, where 1.2 million Palestinians currently reside, telling Israeli members of the Knesset that he was "determined" to eliminate the Palestinian Resistance.

On its part, the Palestinian Resistance has reiterated that it demands an immediate and permanent ceasefire that ends the Israeli aggression, provides relief and assistance to the people in Gaza, facilitates the return of the displaced to their homes, and ensures the complete withdrawal of the Israeli occupation forces from the Strip.

In addition to providing the Israeli occupation entity with military support, the United States has vetoed three draft resolutions, two of which would have called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, citing concerns about jeopardizing ongoing efforts to broker a pause in fighting and release Israeli captives.

Washington has also abstained twice on resolutions aimed at aiding Gaza and calling for pauses in the fighting.