After a week of closed-door negotiations at the 15-member UN Security Council, ambassadors are still deliberating over a draft resolution proposed by the United Arab Emirates. The resolution calls for an “urgent suspension” of the conflict in the Gaza Strip to facilitate the safe and unhindered delivery of aid to civilians in need.

The previous draft, vetoed by the US on Dec. 8, prompted a swift response in the UN General Assembly. Four days later, member states voted overwhelmingly in favour of a non-binding resolution, urging an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

Despite the emergency special session of the assembly resuming and adjourning on Wednesday, a consensus on the draft resolution in the Security Council remains elusive.

The Council has been working to formulate language that avoids another US veto, changing the call from a “cessation of hostilities” to a “suspension” of fighting, with a focus on increasing access for lifesaving aid.

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