The UN Security Council (SC) members could vote as soon as Friday on a Kuwait-sponsored draft resolution that asks the UN chief to propose measures to ensure “international protection” for Palestinian civilians against Israeli aggressive practices.
A vote on the proposal was at one point scheduled for Thursday evening but diplomats said it was postponed until Friday or possibly later.
The resolution deplores and demands a halt to “the use of any excessive disproportionate and indiscriminate force” by the Israeli army.
The United States has strongly indicated during negotiations on the resolution that it would veto the measure. Israel’s UN ambassador Danny Danon also sharply criticized it for not mentioning Hamas.
The draft resolution expresses “grave concern” at the escalation of violence and tensions and the deteriorating situation in the Palestinian territories especially since the start of a series of mass protests at the Gaza border on March 30.
Over 110 Palestinians were killed and thousands wounded by Israeli military fire. Israel justified its mass murders of Palestinian protesters by claiming that its troops were defending its border.
Later the Israeli army launched artillery and aerial attacks on Gaza killing some citizens affiliated with armed factions which prompted the resistance to retaliate by firing a barrage of rockets and mortars Tuesday at Israeli targets. Israel persisted and launched further attacks.
The draft resolution calls for urgent steps “to ensure an immediate durable and fully respected ceasefire.” It asks UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres for a written report within 60 days to ensure “the safety protection and well-being of the Palestinian civilian population under Israeli occupation” including recommendations about “an international protection mechanism.”
It also urges immediate unimpeded humanitarian access and “tangible steps” toward reconciliation between different Palestinian factions.
At Kuwait’s request the council has held recently multiple emergency meetings on the border clashes.
