The UN will vote on the call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Despite opposition from the US and Israel

The US and Israel reject a resolution that calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, which will be put to a vote at the UN.

On Thursday, the UN General Assembly will vote on a draft resolution calling for an immediate, unconditional, and long-term halt to the war in Gaza. A similar proposal in the Security Council was vetoed by the US a few days before to this action.

Even though Israel has been pressing for countries to boycott what it has called a “politically-motivated, counter-productive charade,” diplomats think the resolution is expected to be adopted with strong support by the 193-member General Assembly. Although resolutions passed by the General Assembly are not legally obligatory, they are thought to be significant reflections of global sentiment toward the conflict.

The General Assembly has unsuccessfully called for an end to the fighting between Israel and Hamas militants. Nevertheless, no nation has the same veto power in the General Assembly as permanent members do in the Security Council.

The vote takes place before a summit hosted by the UN next week that aims to rekindle international interest in a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians. As a warning that any activities perceived as anti-Israel after the meeting could be interpreted as contradicting US foreign policy and could result in diplomatic repercussions, the United States has warned nations not to attend.

The United States blocked a Security Council resolution last week that demanded an immediate ceasefire and unhindered access to Gaza for humanitarian aid. Washington claimed the resolution will disrupt current truce-securing talks sponsored by the United States.

As the situation in Gaza worsens and more than two million people face a humanitarian crisis, the other 14 members of the Security Council voted in favor of the measure. Aid delivery has been severely constrained in the enclave, even after Israel lifted an 11-week embargo last month, despite the United Nations warning that hunger is approaching.