Israel killed at least 20,000 Palestinians since 7 October, the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza said on 20 December, while negotiations are underway on a United Nations Security Council resolution that pleases the United States and avoids a third US veto of a ceasefire. The United States is opposed to a resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire, which is the major point of contention. The US wants to change the draft terminology from a ‘cessation of hostilities’ for to a ‘suspension of hostilities’. The inspection of aid trucks entering Gaza for humanitarian purposes is another sticking point, as the current draft suggests UN involvement, which Israel opposes. The Security Council vote was slated to take place on Tuesday, 19 December, but was postponed several times to avoid a US veto on the resolution. It is expected to take place today, on 21 December. United Arab Emirates Ambassador to the UN Lana Nusseibeh, the sponsor of the Arab-backed resolution, confirmed that high-level discussions are taking place to reach an agreement on a text that can be adopted. As negotiations continue, the focus is not only on immediate humanitarian needs but…
Over 20,000 Killed in Gaza as US Negotiations Over Security Council Resolution Continue
December 21, 2023
By Belal Nawar
Senior Journalist
