UNSC’s Gaza Aid Resolution Vote Delayed Again As Biden Administration Struggles To Alter Key Wordings

On Wednesday (20 December), the United Nations Security Council once again postponed voting on a new resolution for urgently needed aid to Gaza.

The Joe Biden administration is working to modify key wordings in high-level negotiations to avoid a US veto as reported by The Hindu.

The US aims to alter references to a cessation of hostilities in the Israel-Hamas conflict and the part about UN inspection of trucks carrying humanitarian goods, opposed by Israel.

Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh of the UAE, sponsoring the Arab-backed resolution, mentioned ongoing high-level discussions to reach an agreeable text.

She stated, "Everyone wants to see a resolution that has impact and that is implementable on the ground, We believe today, giving a little bit of space for additional diplomacy, could yield positive results.”

The original text called for the urgent suspension of hostilities, safe humanitarian access, and steps towards a sustainable cessation of hostilities.

It also urged the UN Secretary-General to establish a mechanism for exclusive UN monitoring of aid deliveries to Gaza, bypassing Israeli inspection.

US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby raised additional issues not in the resolution, including condemnation of Hamas' 7 October incursion into southern Israel. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed hope for a new resolution, emphasising intensive and good-faith negotiations.

Previously, on 8 December, the US vetoed a resolution for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza.

The General Assembly approved a similar resolution on 12 December.

The US has consistently called for condemnation of Hamas and recognition of Israel's right to self-defence, not included in adopted resolutions or the latest draft.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated Israel's readiness for a humanitarian pause and additional aid to facilitate hostage release.