New York - The United Nations Security Council is poised to vote on Tuesday regarding an Algerian initiative calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

The United States has indicated its intention to veto the resolution, emphasizing the need to avoid actions that could jeopardize delicate negotiations aimed at securing a cessation of hostilities. Algeria had initially presented a draft resolution over two weeks ago, but U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Linda Thomas-Greenfield, swiftly voiced concerns that the proposed text could undermine ongoing efforts to broker a pause in the fighting.

Algeria has requested a vote on Tuesday, according to diplomats. For the resolution to be adopted, it requires at least nine affirmative votes without any vetoes from the permanent members of the Security Council—namely, the United States, Britain, France, China, or Russia. Thomas-Greenfield reiterated the U.S. stance, stating that the current draft would not be accepted if put to a vote.

Historically, the United States has shielded its ally Israel from U.N. actions and has previously vetoed similar council resolutions since the conflict began on October 7th. However, it has also abstained twice, allowing the adoption of resolutions aimed at increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza and calling for urgent humanitarian pauses in the fighting.

Negotiations involving the U.S., Egypt, Israel, and Qatar are ongoing in pursuit of a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas. Thomas-Greenfield stressed the importance of supporting this diplomatic process to maximize its chances of success rather than pursuing measures that could undermine it and the prospects for a lasting resolution to the hostilities.

The Gaza conflict erupted when Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel on October 7th, resulting in casualties and the capture of hostages, according to Israeli reports. In response, Israel launched a military offensive against Gaza, resulting in significant Palestinian casualties and widespread destruction.

The potential Security Council vote comes amid concerns over Israel's plans to launch a ground invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza, where a significant number of Palestinians have sought refuge. This move has sparked international apprehension about exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed the Munich Security Conference, describing the situation in Gaza as a distressing reflection of the impasse in global relations. U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric elaborated that Guterres highlighted the lack of unity within the Security Council and its detrimental impact on efforts to address crises worldwide.