New York โ The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday overwhelmingly adopted a draft resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in the war in Gaza. The non-binding measure also calls for the release of all hostages held by Hamas, the return of Palestinian prisoners, and unrestricted humanitarian access to the territory.
The resolution, introduced by Spain and supported by over 30 countries, passed with 149 votes in favor, 12 against, including Israel and the United States, and 19 abstentions.ย The vote follows the US veto of a similar Security Council resolution last week.
While General Assembly resolutions lack legal force, they are widely viewed as indicators of global sentiment. Israelโs UN Ambassador Danny Danon rejected the resolution, describing it as a โfarceโ and โblood libel,โ and argued it undermines ongoing hostage negotiations while failing to condemn Hamas.ย โThis is not a peace proposal. It is surrender,โ Danon told delegates.
The resolution โstrongly condemns the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare,โ and urges Israel to lift its blockade on Gaza and open all border crossings to allow aid to flow โimmediately and at scale.โย It also reaffirms the UNโs commitment to a two-state solution and calls for the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
The United States criticized the measure, with Deputy Ambassador Dorothy Shea stating it โdoes nothing to help free the hostages, improve the lives of civilians in Gaza, or move closer to a ceasefire, and instead sends a message to Hamas that it is being rewarded.โย The US also warned countries that actions perceived as anti-Israel in the wake of the resolution could have diplomatic repercussions.
The vote comes ahead of a UN conference next week aimed at reviving efforts toward a two-state solution. The US has urged countries to abstain from attending.
Thursdayโs resolution marks the fourth time the General Assembly has called for a ceasefire in Gaza since hostilities began in October 2023. Previous resolutions have been ignored by the parties involved, and the conflict continues to cause significant humanitarian distress, with international agencies warning of widespread hunger and the risk of famine in Gaza.
This article is based on verified information from Reuters, The Times of Israel, Le Monde, Arab News, CBC News, and official United Nations sources.