The 193-member United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) overwhelmingly passed a resolution urging a humanitarian ceasefire in war-torn Gaza.
During the vote, 153 nations voted for the measure, while Israel, the US, and eight others dissented. This non-binding vote showcases a strong global consensus against the ongoing conflict.
“We thank all those who supported the draft resolution that was just adopted by a huge majority,” Saudi Arabia’s UN ambassador Abdulaziz Alwasil said in remarks following the vote. “This reflects the international position to call for the enforcement of this resolution.”
The international community intensifies pressure on Israel to halt its months-long offensive in Gaza, responsible for 18,000+ Palestinian deaths, primarily women and children. Displaced Gazans make up over 80% of the 2.3 million residents.
"Hell on Earth": UN officials have categorized the devastating humanitarian situation in Gaza, ravaged by relentless air strikes and an Israeli siege, as "hell on earth". Basic necessities like food, fuel, water, and electricity remain severely restricted to the Gaza Strip.
US Veto Fails, UN Chief Steps Up: After a similar ceasefire resolution in the UN Security Council (UNSC) failed due to a US veto, Secretary-General Guterres took the historic step of invoking Article 99, calling attention to the grave threat to international peace (Last used in 1971). While the US vetoed the proposal, the UK abstained. Unlike UNGA votes, UNSC resolutions have the power to be binding.
US Efforts Fail, Credibility Concerns: Despite US and Austrian attempts to add condemnations of the October 7 Hamas attack, the amendments were rejected. An Al Jazeera correspondent said the Arab nations condemned the efforts as politicization. Many nations argued that respect for international law and humanitarian efforts is crucial, highlighting the UN's diminishing credibility at stake.
Egypt’s UN Ambassador Osama Abdelkhalek called the draft resolution “balanced and neutral”, saying that it called for the protection of civilians on both sides and release of all captives.
Israel Opposes, Denounces Hamas: Israel's envoy blasted the ceasefire calls, labelling the UN a "moral stain" and demanding accountability for Hamas attacks.
“Why don’t you hold the rapists and child murderers accountable?” he asked in a speech before the vote. “The time has come to put the blame where it belongs: on the shoulders of the Hamas monsters.”
Biden Shifts Tone, US Double Standard?: Though the Biden administration initially backed Israel's campaign, recent remarks hint at a shift. Biden criticized Israel's "indiscriminate bombing," acknowledging the loss of international support. However, the US's continued silence on Israel's destruction of schools and hospitals, similar to actions condemned in Ukraine, fuels accusations of a double standard on human rights.
