Blinken Meets w/ Qatar PM As UN To Vote On Ceasefire Resolution

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Washington, D.C., with the two discussing 'the important of the Israel-Hamas conflict not spreading' and 'continued coordination to free all remaining hostages', according to the US state department. Qatari outlet Al Jazeera reports: "Sheikh Mohammed affirmed Qatar commitment’s to continuing efforts to restore calm and reach a permanent ceasefire, stressing that the continued bombing of Gaza complicates mediation efforts and exacerbates the humanitarian catastrophe faced by its residents."

• The meeting comes as the UN Security Council is set to vote on a UAE-proposed, Ireland-seconded resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. In order to pass it would required 9 of 15 UNSC members to vote in favour and no vetoes from any of the five permanent members. This last hurdle is likely to prove the resolution's downfall, with the US stating it will veto if it appears the the resolution will pass.
• The US has stated that its plan for temporary humanitarian pauses combined with intensified diplomatic efforts will prove more fruitful in ensuring the supply of aid and protecting civilians.