Intense negotiations were underway at the United Nations ahead of an expected vote Tuesday on a resolution calling for a halt in hostilities to allow much needed aid to enter Gaza, according to diplomats.

Diplomats had been working behind closed doors to finalize a resolution drafted by the United Arab Emirates. An initial draft text of the new resolution seen on Monday called for “an urgent and lasting cessation of hostilities to allow unimpeded access of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip”.

The vote was originally scheduled for Monday, but was delayed to allow more time for negotiations.