In intense negotiations on Tuesday, members of the United Nations Security Council sought to pass an Arab-sponsored resolution that would facilitate much-needed humanitarian aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip. The resolution aims to address the dire humanitarian situation and secure a halt in the ongoing conflict. The United States' position in the negotiations remains a crucial factor, as efforts are underway to prevent another U.S. veto.

Originally scheduled for a vote on Monday, the resolution was postponed until Wednesday after ongoing discussions on its modalities. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby emphasized the need to understand the gravity of the situation and highlighted Israel's right to defend itself against threats posed by Hamas.

However, the vote was eventually canceled as the United States requested more time for deliberation. Talks are ongoing to persuade the Biden administration to either abstain or vote in favor of the resolution.

Initially, the draft resolution called for an "urgent and sustainable cessation of hostilities." However, a new draft circulated on Tuesday saw a watering down of this language. The revised version now "calls for the urgent suspension of hostilities to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and for urgent steps towards a sustainable cessation of hostilities." Notably, the United States has previously opposed the inclusion of language specifically referring to a cessation of hostilities.

This recent development follows the U.S.'s veto on a Security Council resolution on December 8, which had garnered support from other council members and numerous nations, demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza. However, on December 12, the General Assembly passed a similar resolution with an overwhelming majority of 153-10, and 23 abstentions.

Israel's President Isaac Herzog expressed readiness for another humanitarian pause and further aid in order to facilitate the release of hostages. Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh of the United Arab Emirates, representing the Arab perspective on the council, stressed that the new resolution must go beyond the previous one adopted on November 15.

Security Council resolutions hold significant legal weight, although some parties may choose not to comply with the council's requests for action. On the other hand, General Assembly resolutions serve as a crucial indicator of global opinion, despite not being legally binding.

The gravity of the situation in Gaza cannot be overstated, with nearly 20,000 reported Palestinian deaths since the outbreak of conflict in October. The Gaza Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths, reveals that Hamas militants accounted for around 1,200 casualties, predominantly civilians, and took approximately 240 hostages.

During a Security Council meeting on Tuesday morning, U.N. Mideast envoy Tor Wennesland highlighted the precarious state of the humanitarian response and criticized Israel's limited actions, which he argued fell far short of what was required to address the ongoing catastrophe.

Mohamed Abushahab, UAE Deputy Ambassador, echoed these concerns and denounced the unprecedented levels of starvation, thirst, and lack of medical supplies faced by Gazans. The proposed resolution emphasizes the provision of essential services such as food, water, sanitation, electricity, telecommunications, and medical services to address the deteriorating situation.

The draft resolution demands that all parties involved, namely Israel and Hamas, facilitate aid deliveries through various means, including the Karem Shalom border crossing. It also calls for the establishment of a monitoring mechanism by the U.N., potentially bypassing current Israeli inspections of aid entering Gaza.

Furthermore, the resolution emphasizes the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and the adherence to international humanitarian law, which focuses on the protection of civilians and vital infrastructure such as homes, schools, and hospitals.

Lastly, the resolution reiterates the Security Council's commitment to the two-state solution, emphasizing the importance of unifying the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority.

As negotiations continue, the international community awaits the outcome of these discussions, with hopes that a resolution can be reached to alleviate the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, protect civilians, and advance a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.