The United Nations Security Council is poised to vote on a much-delayed resolution today concerning the Israel-Hamas offensive after Washington signalled support following resistance to earlier draft proposals, AFP reports.

After days of delays, the latest draft version seen by AFP calls for “urgent steps to immediately allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and also for creating the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities.”

It does not call for an immediate end to fighting.

US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield told reporters Thursday evening that “if the resolution is put forward as is, then we can support it.” She denied that the draft resolution had been watered down, saying it was “very strong” and “fully supported by the Arab group.”

This picture taken on Dec 19, 2023, shows smoke billowing over damaged buildings during a Israeli military operation in the north of the Gaza Strip. — AFP
This picture taken on Dec 19, 2023, shows smoke billowing over damaged buildings during a Israeli military operation in the north of the Gaza Strip. — AFP

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