The UN Security Council is struggling to speak with one voice ahead of a vote expected today on a new resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. A vote may come soon if negotiations succeed in breaking an impasse 10 days after a US veto, AFP reports.

On December 8, despite unprecedented pressure from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the United States blocked the adoption of a resolution calling for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” in the Gaza Strip.

Last week, the General Assembly adopted the same nonbinding resolution by 153 votes to 10, with 23 abstentions, out of 193 member states. On the strength of this overwhelming support, Arab countries have announced a new attempt at the Security Council, with an uncertain outcome.

A draft text prepared by the United Arab Emirates, obtained by AFP on Sunday, called for “an urgent and lasting cessation of hostilities to allow unimpeded access of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip”. But according to diplomatic sources, a new modified text is now on the table, in an attempt to get closer to a compromise.