New York, 20 December 2023 (dpa/MIA) - The UN Security Council has again postponed a vote on a new resolution on the Gaza war at the request of the United States.

The vote is now scheduled for 16 GMT on Wednesday, several diplomats told dpa on Tuesday. The draft resolution presented by the United Arab Emirates calls for a suspension of hostilities in the Gaza Strip in order to facilitate more humanitarian aid deliveries.

When asked, a diplomat from one of Council member countries said that the extended deadline appeared to be intended to persuade US President Joe Biden not to make use of his country's right to veto.

If the US, Israel's staunchest supporter, abstains, the resolution is almost certain to be adopted.

A vote had initially been scheduled for Monday, but has since been postponed several times.

The discussion is primarily focussed on whether wording can be found to allow the US to agree on it. Accordingly, the text no longer refers to a "cessation" of violence, but to a "suspension."

Previously, several resolutions on a ceasefire in Gaza had failed in the UN Security Council, mainly because the US continued to back Israel in the matter. So far, the body only passed a resolution with a humanitarian focus on the conflict a few weeks ago.