MIDDLE EAST
2 HOURS AGO
Live blog: Algeria pushes for Gaza ceasefire at UN, US likely to block
Israel’s war on Gaza — now in its 135th day — has killed at least 28,858 Palestinians and wounded 68,667 others.
The likely council vote comes as Israel also plans to storm Rafah in southern Gaza, where more than 1 millions Palestinians have sought shelter, prompting international concern that such a move would sharply worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. / Photo: AP Archive
AP ARCHIVE
The likely council vote comes as Israel also plans to storm Rafah in southern Gaza, where more than 1 millions Palestinians have sought shelter, prompting international concern that such a move would sharply worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. / Photo: AP Archive
Sunday, February 18, 2024
0415 GMT — The United Nations Security Council is expected to vote on an Algerian push for the 15-member body to demand an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Israel’s war on Gaza, said diplomats, a move the United States signalled it would veto.
Algeria put forward an initial draft resolution more than two weeks ago. But US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield quickly said the text could jeopardise “sensitive negotiations” aimed at brokering a pause in the war.
To be adopted, a UN Security Council resolution needs at least nine votes in favour and no vetoes by the United States, Britain, France, China or Russia.
Washington traditionally shields its ally Israel from any UN action and has already twice vetoed council action since October 7.
But Washington has also abstained twice, allowing the council to adopt resolutions that aimed to boost humanitarian aid to Gaza and called for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses in fighting.
More updates 👇
0041 GMT — Displacement of Palestinians to Egypt rejected: Sisi
President Abdel Fattah el Sisi affirmed his country’s “categorical rejection of the displacement of Palestinians to Egypt in any way or form, a position that enjoys full international consensus,” according to a statement by the Egyptian presidency.
It came during a telephone call received by el Sisi from French President Emmanuel Macron amid Israel’s escalation in Rafah and international warnings against pushing Palestinians toward Egyptian territories.
The presidency said el Sisi received the call to discuss “ongoing efforts aimed at reaching a ceasefire in Gaza, exchanging captives, and delivering humanitarian aid.”
The two leaders reviewed the latest developments and stressed the need for concerned parties “to cooperate to ensure progress that leads to the stopping of the bloodshed and alleviation of the current human suffering in Gaza.”
0152 GMT — Independent Palestinian state ‘prerequisite’ before normalization with Israel: Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan said that an independent Palestinian state is a “prerequisite” to establish diplomatic relations with Israel, according to Saudi Arabia’s El Ihbariyye channel.
Bin Farhan explained Saudi Arabia’s stance on the situation in Gaza and the Palestinian issue during a session at the Munich Security Conference.
He noted that “the only secure way to solve the problem in the region is through the commitment of the US and Israel to a two-state solution.”
0218 GMT — Egypt to establish logistics centre in Rafah to facilitate aid to Gaza
Egypt announced that it is beginning to establish a logistics centre in Rafah to facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza, which is under attack and occupation by Israel.
Gov. of North Sinai in Egypt, Maj. Gen. Muhammad Abdulfadil, noted that the centre is to be built in the border town, including the Rafah Border Crossing between Egypt and Gaza.
Abdulfadil said the Egyptian army has begun constructing the centre in Al Arish to facilitate the work of the Egyptian Red Crescent and to reduce congestion in the area and on the road.
He noted that the centre will have parking areas for trucks, secure warehouses, administrative offices and accommodation for drivers, as well as facilities such as water and electricity.
For our live updates from Saturday, February 17, click here.
SOURCE: TRTWORLD AND AGENCIES
