In the news today: The U.N. votes on a Gaza cease-fire demand that the U.S. is set to veto; Putin’s plan for Ukraine; and Nikki Haley sticks it out in the presidential race. Also, one of rock music’s most indelible singles is at the center of an unusual trial.
ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR
The Security Council is voting on a Gaza cease-fire
Arab nations are putting to a vote a U.N. resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire. The U.S. will veto it, but the countries hope to show broad global support for ending the Israel-Hamas war.
Key points:
- The Biden administration will veto the Arab-backed resolution, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield says, because it may interfere with ongoing U.S. efforts to arrange a deal between the warring parties.
- In a surprise move ahead of the vote, the U.S. circulated a rival Security Council resolution that would support a temporary cease-fire in Gaza linked to the release of all hostages and call for the lifting of all restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian aid.
- What will happen after the U.S. veto remains to be seen. The Arab Group could take their resolution to the General Assembly, which includes all 193 member nations, where it is virtually certain to be approved. But unlike Security Council resolutions, assembly resolutions are not legally binding.
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