UNSC to vote on Egypt’s draft resolution to counter US Jerusalem decision

The United Nations Security Council will vote on a draft resolution proposed Egypt, calling for the cancellation of any unilateral decisions relating to the status of Jerusalem, after US President Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

The draft was reportedly one page and asserted that any decision that jeopardises “the character, status, or demographic composition of the Holy City of Jerusalem” and does not comply with relevant Security Council resolutions, has no legal effect, and is considered “null and void”. In addition, it reportedly instructs all member states not to set up any diplomatic missions in Jerusalem.

Although the draft came in response to the controversial US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital—which sparked waves of protests and rejection by the international community—there was no mention of Trump’s decision in the document, according to Reuters.

The proposed resolution needs nine votes in its favour to pass, so long as France, Britain, China, Russia, or the United States withhold using their veto power. Diplomats say it rallied lots of support, Reuters reported. However, the draft is expected to be vetoed by Washington.

Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon responded to the proposal with complete rejection. He stressed that Jerusalem is Israel’s capital and “no debate or vote will change that”, the Jerusalem Post reported.

Leave a comment