The vote on a resolution of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) related to the conflict between Israel and the Islamic Hamas Movement in the Gaza Strip, is expected to take place on December 21 (New York time). , has been postponed to December 22. Meanwhile, negotiations towards a new ceasefire agreement are still taking place in Egypt.
The above vote has been delayed many times since December 18 until now because the parties have not reached consensus and need more time to continue consultations.
Draft resolution proposed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). To be approved, the draft needs at least 9 votes in favor and no veto from one of the 5 permanent members of the Security Council including Russia, China, the US, France and the UK. On December 8, the US vetoed a draft resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Currently, Security Council member countries are seeking to reach consensus on the revised draft, focusing on expanding the form of transporting humanitarian aid to the entire Gaza Strip, not only by land but also by sea and sea. airline. The US said it may support a revised draft that would require both Israel and Hamas to allow the use of “all possible routes” to transport humanitarian goods to the Gaza Strip. Responding to the press on December 21, US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the US is still actively coordinating with partners at the UN to discuss the content and language in the draft. draft amendment resolution.
In addition, countries need more time to discuss an issue raised by the amended document. That is where countries call on the UN to monitor the activities of bringing aid into the Gaza Strip and which countries will participate in this monitoring activity.
Meanwhile, negotiations to establish a new ceasefire agreement accompanied by the release of hostages took place for the second consecutive day in Cairo, Egypt. These negotiations are conducted through foreign intermediaries.
Hamas movement leader Ismail Haniyeh arrived in Cairo on December 20 to negotiate a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and exchange hostages with Israel. Meanwhile, countries acting as intermediaries, including Egypt and Qatar, previously had separate meetings with Israel, Hamas and other groups. Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said negotiations on the return of hostages were still ongoing, but did not provide further details.
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron on December 21 called for a “lasting ceasefire” to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas, emphasizing the need to maintain humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
According to the Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Cairo, British Foreign Secretary Cameron gave this message at a joint press conference in Cairo with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry. Foreign Minister Cameron expressed his wish for the conflict between Hamas and Israel to “end as soon as possible”. He emphasized that “a sustainable ceasefire” is needed to help stop the fighting and pave the way for negotiations to find a lasting solution to the conflict.