The UN Security Council debates a resolution on Jerusalem. Photo: Reuters / Brendan McDermid.

Israel and the United States are seeking to prevent the passage of a UN Security Council resolution creating an international force in Gaza.

According to the Hebrew news site Ynet, the resolution introduced by Kuwait in collaboration with the Palestinians seeks to protect civilian demonstrators in areas of armed conflict. It is in reaction to the ongoing Hamas-orchestrated riots on the Gaza border, in which Israel has used live fire against attempts by Palestinians to storm the border fence and commit acts of terrorism.

The US and Israel hope to prevent the resolution from gaining a majority in the 15-seat council. Ynet noted that the current makeup of the council made this unusually difficult. If the resolution passes, US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has promised to use the American veto to block its implementation.

If this takes place, the Palestinians have pledged to take the resolution to the General Assembly, where they have an “automatic majority.” However, General Assembly resolutions are non-binding on member states.

Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon blasted the resolution, saying, “The cynicism and attempts to distort reality have reached a new low. Israel will continue to defend its sovereignty and the security of its citizens against Hamas’ murderous terrorism and violence. This shameful proposal supports Hamas war crimes against Israel and against the residents of Gaza, who are sent to die for the sake of preserving Hamas.”