UNITED NATIONS. The United Nations Security Council is gearing up for a crucial vote on a resolution urging for a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza throughout the holy month of Ramadan. However, the United States has expressed reservations, warning that the resolution might hinder negotiations aimed at halting the hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
The proposed resolution, presented by the 10 elected council members and backed by Russia and China, comes on the heels of a U.S.-sponsored resolution vetoed by Russia and China just days ago. This resolution called for an immediate and sustained cease-fire in the ongoing conflict.
The 22-nation Arab Group at the UN has issued a plea for unity among all council members to vote in favor of the resolution, emphasizing the urgent need to end the bloodshed and prevent further loss of lives.
“It is long overdue for a cease-fire,” stated the Arab Group, as Ramadan began on March 10 and will conclude on April 9.
Originally scheduled for Saturday morning, the vote was postponed to Monday morning. Many council members hope that this resolution, if passed, will compel an end to the war that erupted following a surprise attack by Gaza’s Hamas rulers into southern Israel on October 7, resulting in significant casualties and ongoing violence.
The resolution, demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire for Ramadan leading to a permanent sustainable cease-fire, also calls for the release of all hostages and emphasizes the necessity to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid in Gaza.
However, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield expressed concerns regarding the resolution’s potential impact on ongoing negotiations facilitated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. She cautioned against any resolution that could jeopardize these delicate diplomatic efforts.
“We should not proceed with any resolution that risks undermining the current negotiations,” remarked Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield, emphasizing the importance of supporting diplomatic initiatives to avoid further deadlock in the Security Council.
The upcoming vote underscores the complexities of international diplomacy as major powers navigate their positions amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
