The United Nations General Assembly has taken a significant step by adopting a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. This resolution emphasizes the need for nations to employ “all measures necessary” to exert pressure on Israel.
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Following the United States’ veto of a similar resolution in the Security Council last week, the General Assembly moved forward with this non-binding resolution, passing it with a vote count of 149 in favor, 12 against, and 19 abstentions.
The resolution demands “an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire” in Gaza, along with the “immediate and unconditional release of all hostages” taken during the unprecedented Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which ignited the current conflict. Importantly, this resolution goes beyond the text rejected by the United States, directly addressing Israel’s obstruction of essential aid deliveries to Gaza.
Moreover, it urges all UN member states to “individually and collectively take all measures necessary, in accordance with international law, to ensure Israel complies with its obligations.” Ambassador Danny Danon of Israel criticized the resolution, labeling it as “a farce, a moral failure, a political stunt” prior to the vote.
In contrast, Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour called on nations to translate their votes “into resolute action,” insisting there should be “no arms, no money, no trade to oppress Palestinians.”
US Pressure on Two-State Solution Talks
In another development, a United Nations conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, aimed at creating a roadmap toward a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians, has been postponed after Israel’s recent actions against Iran, according to two sources. Earlier, the U.S. sent a diplomatic cable to Ireland urging it to withdraw from participation in this crucial conference. However, in a show of commitment, Tánaiste Simon Harris announced that Ireland would still attend.
Increasing Demands for Humanitarian Aid
Israel is under rising pressure to permit greater humanitarian aid into Gaza, where the risk of widespread famine looms. The recently passed resolution “strongly condemns any use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare and the unlawful denial of humanitarian access.”
In a recent development, Israel lifted its total blockade to allow limited deliveries through newly established distribution centers operated by the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). However, the United Nations, concerned about the GHF’s operational practices and neutrality, has refrained from coordinating aid through this entity. Tragically, dozens have lost their lives near GHF distribution points since late May, with Israeli forces reported to have killed another 21 individuals seeking aid just yesterday.
The GHF has pointed the finger at Hamas for the deaths of at least eight of its staff members in Gaza just this past Wednesday.
Calls for Accountability
In the absence of action from the Security Council, Ambassador Mansour has been vocal in urging all countries to take “immediate and real measures” to compel Israel “to stop the mad march it is embarked on.” With an international conference on the Palestinian issue approaching at the UN, the resolution reiterates the assembly’s “unwavering commitment to the two-state solution,” envisioning coexistence between two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living peacefully side by side.
Historically, it was a UN General Assembly resolution in 1947 that divided British-ruled Palestine into two distinct states, one Arab and one Jewish. However, only Israel’s establishment was officially declared on May 14, 1948, triggering immediate conflict with its Arab neighbors. Over the decades, the UN has consistently voiced strong support for the Palestinian cause amidst ongoing Israeli occupation, while Israel has relied heavily on the backing of its veto-holding ally, the United States, a relationship that intensified during President Trump’s administration.
Acting U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea criticized the resolution, stating it “does nothing to free the hostages, improve the lives of civilians in Gaza, or bring us closer to a ceasefire.” She characterized it as “yet another performative action that erodes the credibility of this body.”
“In times of crisis, dialogue is crucial for peace,” underscored Mansour, advocating for global solidarity in the face of adversity.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
