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The United States has declared its intention to veto an upcoming resolution at the United Nations that calls for a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Gaza.

Proposed by Algeria, the resolution aims for a vote in the UN Security Council (UNSC) on Tuesday, seeking an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” and the “immediate and unconditional release of all hostages” in the war between Israel and Hamas.

In a statement, US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said, “Should it come up for a vote as drafted, it will not be adopted,” noting that the resolution might adversely affect the diplomatic efforts being mediated by Qatar and Egypt, intended to broker peace between Israel and Hamas. She added, “The Council has the obligation to ensure that any action we take in the coming days increases pressure on Hamas to accept the proposal on the table.”

A potential agreement, under negotiation for weeks, suggests a ceasefire that would facilitate an exchange of Israeli captives for Palestinian prisoners, alongside increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. Yet, these negotiations have encountered hurdles, notably when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Hamas’s demands as “ludicrous,” and the mediator, Qatar, indicated the talks were faltering.

The US’s planned veto continues its pattern of using its veto power in support of Israel at the Security Council. Amidst the backdrop of these diplomatic efforts, there are heightened concerns about a possible Israeli ground operation in Rafah, southern Gaza, an area densely populated with displaced Palestinians, where a ground assault is feared to have catastrophic humanitarian consequences.