UN General Assembly Approves Resolution Demanding Immediate Gaza Ceasefire
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The United Nations (UN) General Assembly on Wednesday approved a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas militants.
Two Resolutions Related to Israel-Hamas War
In the 193-member United Nations General Assembly, the votes were 158-9 with 13 abstentions in favor of an immediate ceasefire, and 159-9 with 11 abstentions for a resolution in support of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides support to Palestinian refugees.
The votes followed two days of speeches with the majority of nations calling for an end to the 14-month war between Israel and the militant group Hamas. While General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, they serve as a barometer of global opinion. Unlike the Security Council, no member holds veto power in the assembly.
Israel and its close ally, the United States, were among the few nations that voted against the resolutions.
A view over the Northern Gaza Strip as seen from the Israeli side of the border on December 11, 2024, in Southern Israel, Israel. On Wednesday, the United Nations General Assembly voted in favor of… A view over the Northern Gaza Strip as seen from the Israeli side of the border on December 11, 2024, in Southern Israel, Israel. On Wednesday, the United Nations General Assembly voted in favor of a resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza.
Amir Levy/Getty Images/Getty Images
The Palestinians and their supporters turned to the General Assembly after the U.S. vetoed a Security Council resolution on November 20 that called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution had the backing of all 14 other council members, but the U.S. objected, arguing it failed to link the ceasefire to the immediate release of hostages taken by Hamas militants during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that sparked the war.
The first resolution presented to the General Assembly mirrors the language of the vetoed Security Council measure, calling for “an immediate, unconditional and permanent cease-fire to be respected by all parties” and reiterating the “demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.”
The second resolution criticizes laws passed by Israel’s parliament on October 28 that ban UNRWA’s operations in Palestinian territories, set to take effect within 90 days. It also echoes U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres’ assertion that UNRWA serves as “the backbone” of humanitarian efforts in Gaza, emphasizing that no other organization can replace it.
U.S. Deputy U.N. Ambassador Robert Wood reaffirmed Washington’s opposition to the ceasefire resolution on Wednesday, criticizing the measure for failing to acknowledge Hamas’ October 7, attack on Israel.
Israel’s War in Gaza
The October 7, 2023, assault left about 1,200 people dead, mostly civilians, and saw around 250 others taken hostage. Roughly 100 hostages remain in Gaza with a third believed to be dead, while ceasefire negotiations have stalled.
Meanwhile, Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed more than 44,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the local health ministry. The ministry reports that women and children account for more than half of the deaths, though it does not differentiate between civilians and fighters in its figures.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
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