New York [US], November 16: The United States and Russia have submitted rival draft resolutions on the Gaza conflict to the UN Security Council, setting up a confrontation among the council's veto powers as diplomats said a vote could take place as early as next week.
The US draft seeks to secure President Donald Trump's Middle East peace plan.
"We urge the Security Council to seize this historic moment to pave a path towards enduring peace in the Middle East by supporting this resolution," the US mission to the United Nations said in a statement on Thursday.
"Attempts to sow discord now" would have grave consequences for the population in Gaza.
Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Turkey have publicly backed the US draft.
Russia, however, has introduced its own resolution, which includes recognizing Palestine as a state. China has signalled it is prepared to support the Russian draft.
Russia, China and the US all hold veto power in the council - meaning any resolution they vote against cannot be adopted.
Earlier this week, the Group of Seven (G7) leading democracies pushed for a UN Security Council mandate to ensure swift implementation of the Gaza peace plan.
In its second phase, the plan envisions the disarmament of Hamas as well as the deployment of an international stabilization force and an interim administration of Palestinian technocrats.
The Security Council has repeatedly been divided over the conflict in recent years.
Source: Qatar Tribune
