Delays in Negotiations Cause UN Vote on Urging Pause in Fighting Between Israel and Gaza

The United Nations (UN) vote on a draft resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza has been delayed due to last-minute negotiations. The resolution has faced challenges over the wording, as some countries aim to avoid another veto by the United States. The push for a suspension of fighting between Israel and Hamas has increased, coinciding with the expected visit of the leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, to Egypt for talks. Last month, Egypt and Qatar brokered a truce that led to a week-long ceasefire and the release of hostages. Israeli leaders have rejected a new ceasefire, arguing that it would only benefit Hamas. However, Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed readiness for another pause in fighting to facilitate the release of more hostages. Hamas official Osama Hamdan stated that the group is open to any initiative for a ceasefire but insisted that negotiations on a hostage swap deal would only happen once Israeli aggression stops. The original draft resolution proposed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) called for an urgent and sustainable cessation of hostilities, allowing safe humanitarian access. The draft has been modified to call for a suspension of hostilities, but it still emphasizes urgent steps towards a sustainable cessation. The main sticking points in negotiations are framing calls for a halt to hostilities and the proposal for a UN mechanism to inspect aid going into Gaza. The US and Israel oppose a ceasefire, fearing it would benefit Hamas. The UK abstained from a previous resolution, which the US vetoed. Israel is reportedly pressuring the US to veto the current draft to maintain control over aid deliveries to Gaza. The Israeli government faces increasing international and domestic pressure for a ceasefire due to the rising civilian casualties and the deaths of three Israeli men held captive in Gaza. The conflict, triggered by a cross-border attack by Hamas gunmen in October, has resulted in over 19,600 deaths in Gaza, with about 70% of those being women and children. The deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza is of great concern to aid workers, with only eight of Gaza's 36 hospitals partially functioning, facing shortages of medical supplies and sheltering displaced people. UN aid workers have expressed their disappointment in the international community's failure to address and resolve the conflict.