UN General Assembly calls for Gaza ceasefire, pressure on Israel
The United States and Israel were among the 12 nations that voted against the measure, while 19 abstained
The UN General Assembly on Thursday adopted a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and urging nations to take “all measures necessary” to place pressure on Israel.
Following the United States’ veto of a similar push in the Security Council last week, the General Assembly adopted the non-binding resolution by a vote of 149 to 12, with 19 abstentions.
The text demands “an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire” in Gaza, as well as “the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages” seized during the unprecedented Hamas attack inside Israel on October 7, 2023 that sparked the war.
However it goes further than the US-vetoed text, taking direct aim at Israel over its impeding aid deliveries into Gaza.
It “demands that Israel, the occupying Power, immediately end the blockade … and ensure that aid reaches the Palestinian civilian population throughout the Gaza Strip”, which after more than 20 months of war is facing a catastrophic humanitarian situation.