US set to block new UN Security Council vote on Gaza

 The UN Security Council could hold a vote on Algerian sought resolution seeking an “immediate” ceasefire in Gaza, diplomatic sources. However, the US again appeared set to block the resolution.

Algeria has launched discussions on a new draft after the World Court ruled in late January that Israel must do all it can to prevent genocidal acts in its war in Gaza targeting Hamas fighters.

The latest text of draft demands an immediate humanitarian ceasefire that must be respected by all parties, rejecting forced displacement of the Palestinian civilian population. It also demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

The Gaza war began on October 7 with Hamas’s attack that resulted in the deaths of about 1,160 people in Israel, mostly civilians.

Later, Israel launched a relentless assault on Gaza martyring at least 28,858 people, mostly women and children, territory’s health ministry said.

Algeria has made a request for a UN Security Council vote on Tuesday, but the US has signalled it is likely to veto the measure.

US President Joe Biden is working with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Egypt and Qatar leaders on a hostage deal that would bring about six weeks of a “prolonged pause in fighting,” US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said in a statement on Algeria’s proposed draft.