Security Council postpones vote on resolution on Hamas-Israel conflict again

The vote on a United Nations Security Council resolution related to the conflict between Israel and the Hamas Islamist movement in the Gaza Strip, scheduled for December 21 (New York time), has been postponed until December 22.

Meanwhile, negotiations towards a new ceasefire agreement are ongoing in Egypt.

The vote has been postponed several times since December 18 because the parties have not reached a consensus and need more time to continue consultation.

The draft resolution was proposed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). To be adopted, the draft needs at least nine votes in favor and no veto from any of the five permanent members of the Security Council: Russia, China, the United States, France and the United Kingdom. On December 8, the United States vetoed a draft resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Security Council members are currently seeking to reach consensus on a draft amendment that focuses on expanding the delivery of humanitarian aid to the entire Gaza Strip, not only by land but also by sea and air.

The US has said it may support a draft amendment that would require both Israel and Hamas to allow the use of "all possible routes" to transport humanitarian supplies to the Gaza Strip.

Responding to reporters on December 21, US National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby said the US is still actively coordinating with partners at the United Nations to discuss the content and language of the draft revised resolution.

In addition, countries need more time to discuss an issue raised by the amendment: the countries' call for the United Nations to monitor the delivery of aid to the Gaza Strip and which countries will participate in this monitoring.

Meanwhile, negotiations aimed at establishing a new ceasefire and releasing hostages continued for a second consecutive day in Cairo, Egypt. These negotiations are being conducted through foreign intermediaries.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh arrived in Cairo on December 20 to negotiate a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and a hostage exchange with Israel. Meanwhile, mediating countries Egypt and Qatar had previously held separate meetings with Israel, Hamas and other groups.

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said talks on the hostage release were ongoing, but gave no further details.

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron on December 21 called for a “lasting ceasefire” to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas, stressing the need to maintain humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.

British Foreign Secretary Cameron made the announcement at a joint press conference in Cairo with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry. Cameron said he wanted the conflict between Hamas and Israel to “end as soon as possible.”

He stressed that a “sustainable ceasefire” was needed to stop the fighting and pave the way for negotiations to find a lasting solution to the conflict.