TheCable

A United Nations (UN) security council vote, on a resolution meant to spur more humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, has been delayed again.

The vote, which was initially planned for Monday, was postponed to Tuesday owing to the tone of the draft’s language.

The draft resolution had called for an “urgent and sustainable cessation of hostilities” but diplomats were hopeful that changing the language to “calls for the urgent suspension of hostilities to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and for urgent steps towards a sustainable cessation of hostilities” could gain American support.

The draft also calls for the UN to establish a mechanism for monitoring aid deliveries. This could be problematic because it bypasses the current Israeli inspection of aid entering Gaza.

The US has vetoed previous measures at the security council, voted against the calls for a ceasefire, and has reportedly asked for “more time”.

If the US eventually allows the resolution to pass, it would amount to an important signal to Israel — including from its top ally — of the growing international outcry over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Citing officials, CNN reports that Israel has proposed a week-long pause in fighting to Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, in exchange for the release of about 40 hostages.

However, Hamas has made it clear no more hostages will be released until there is a ceasefire.

A new vote from the UN security council is now expected on Wednesday.