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07:35 GMT
WASHINGTON, June 1 (KUNA) -- The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) late Thursday delayed a vote on a Kuwait-proposed draft resolution calling for the protection of Palestinian civilians in Gaza and the West Bank.
The vote, which was expected Thursday, was delayed until at least Friday. The Kuwait-sponsored draft resolution, initially presented two weeks ago, demands a halt to "the use of any excessive, disproportionate and discriminatory force" by Israeli forces.
The resolution expressed "grave concern" at the escalation of violence and tensions between Israel and the Palestinian State. In May, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian protesters in Gaza, killing over 120 civilians and injuring over 2,700 others.
It also urges "the consideration of measures to guarantee the safety and protection" of Palestinian civilians and requests that UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres present a report on a possible "international protection mechanism."
Before the vote was set to take place, the United States submitted amendments to the resolution for consideration, prompting the postponement.
US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley late Thursday said she opposed the proposal for discussing "excessive" Israeli force while making no mention of Hamas.
"It is a grossly one-sided approach that is morally bankrupt and would only serve to undermine ongoing efforts toward peace between the Israelis and Palestinians," Haley said in a statement. (end)
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