UNITED NATIONS (NEWSnet/AP) — United Nations Security Council is set to vote on a resolution demanding a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza during Ramadan.

U.S. officials said the measure could hinder negotiation to halt Israeli-Hamas hostility.

The resolution, put forward by the 10 elected council members, is backed by Russia and China, who vetoed a U.S.-sponsored resolution Friday that supports “an immediate and sustained cease-fire” in the Israel-Hamas war.

The 22-nation Arab Group at U.N. issued a statement appealing to all 15 council members “to act with unity and urgency" and vote for the resolution "to halt the bloodshed, preserve human lives and avert further human suffering and destruction.”

“It is long past time for a cease-fire," the Arab Group said.

The council is expected to vote on the resolution early Monday. The vote had been scheduled for Saturday, but it was delayed, according to a U.N. diplomat.

The brief resolution demands an immediate humanitarian cease-fire for Ramadan “leading to a permanent sustainable cease-fire.” It also urges the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and emphasizes the urgent need to protect civilians and deliver humanitarian aid throughoutGaza Strip.

U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the council that the resolution’s current text “fails to support sensitive diplomacy in the region. Worse, it could actually give Hamas an excuse to walk away from the deal on the table.”

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