The United Nations Security Council will convene Wednesday to vote on a resolution for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
The initiative, spearheaded by the council's ten non-permanent members and formally introduced by the Guyananese delegation, comes after days of intensive diplomatic efforts to craft language that might avert a US veto. Washington's stance on the measure remains uncertain.
Previously, in June, the United States successfully shepherded through the Security Council a resolution that called for both a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.
While Security Council resolutions currently serve as declarations without immediate enforcement power over Israel, the council retains the authority to implement various measures, including the potential imposition of sanctions.
The current Gaza war broke out on Oct. 7, when Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists infiltrated Israel, killing over 1,000 Israelis and kidnapping over 250. As of Nov. 20, 101 Israelis remain held hostage in Gaza, 35 of whom have been declared dead.
