Kuwait, which is the Arab representative on the Security Council, is urging the 15-member body to condemn "in the strongest terms" Israel's use of force against Palestinian protesters on the Gaza border, and to deploy an international force to protect civilians.
Discussions on Kuwait’s draft resolution are expected to start early next week although the United States will very likely reject it. The resolution could be put to a vote at the end of the week.
The draft, a copy of which was obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat, also demands that Israel "immediately cease its military reprisals, collective punishment and unlawful use of force against civilians, including in the Gaza Strip."
The draft resolution was circulated on behalf of the Arab Group and in coordination with several Council members. It calls for measures to be taken to guarantee the safety and protection of the Palestinian civilian population, including through the deployment of "an international protection mission."
It would also reaffirm the council's willingness to respond to armed conflict where civilians are being targeted or aid to civilians is being deliberately obstructed and says this could include considering "appropriate measures.”
It also calls for "the full lifting of the blockade and the restrictions imposed by Israel on the movement and access into and out of the Gaza Strip," including immediately opening all crossing points for humanitarian aid, commercial goods and people to enter and leave.
