The United Nations Security Council is set to vote today on a resolution concerning the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This draft resolution, sponsored by Brazil, initially condemned “the heinous terrorist attacks by Hamas” against Israel and all forms of violence targeting civilians. It also stressed the need for “humanitarian pauses” to ensure the safe delivery of essential aid to the beleaguered people of Gaza.

While the final wording of this resolution remains undisclosed, intensive negotiations took place throughout Tuesday to shape its contents. This comes after the council rejected a resolution proposed by Russia on Monday. The Russian draft sought to condemn violence and terrorism against civilians and emphasized the need for a “humanitarian cease-fire”, however, it refrained from mentioning Hamas.

Today’s vote will first address two proposed amendments by Russia to the Brazilian resolution. The first amendment advocates for a “humanitarian cease-fire” while the second condemns undiscriminating attacks on civilians and strikes on civilian infrastructures in Gaza, such as hospitals and schools.

Following this vote, an emergency meeting has been scheduled to deliberate on the devastating explosion and subsequent fire at a Gaza City hospital that resulted in significant casualties. The Hamas-led health ministry has reported a death toll of at least 500 individuals.

This emergency session was initiated upon requests from Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and China. Top UN officials, including UN political chief Rosemary DiCarlo and UN Mideast envoy Tor Wennesland, are slated to provide insights to council members during this meeting.

The incident at the Gaza City hospital has intensified mutual accusations between Israel and the Palestinians. While Hamas attributes the disaster to an Israeli airstrike, Israel insists it was due to a rocket misfire by the Palestinian group, Islamic Jihad. Islamic Jihad has subsequently refuted any such claims of involvement.