The UN Security Council is voting on Wednesday on a draft resolution calling for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, as well as the release of all prisoners.

The draft, drafted by the ten non-permanent members of the council, aims to pressure Israel to stop the war, but the US position may complicate its chances of passing, according to diplomats.

Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon criticized the draft resolution, describing it as "flawed," stressing that Israel "will not stop fighting until all the kidnapped are returned."

For his part, Robert Wood, Deputy US Ambassador, pointed out the necessity of a link between the ceasefire and the release of prisoners, stressing that this position has been consistent since the beginning of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.

Implementation difficulties

The vote coincides with the ongoing worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as the draft resolution calls for safe and unhindered entry of humanitarian aid, and demands an end to attempts to starve the Palestinians, amid accusations that Israel is using the blockade as a means of pressure.

However, the text lacks any reference to Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which gives the Council powers to enforce its decisions through sanctions or other measures.

In turn, the Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, described the situation in Gaza as a "humanitarian catastrophe that will haunt the world for generations."

Mansour urged the Council to adopt a firm and binding resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

The US position on the draft resolution remains ambiguous, amid fears that Washington will use its veto to prevent its passage, which may reflect the continued international division over the genocidal war in Gaza.