The United Nations General Assembly has passed a resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The resolution was adopted with 158 votes in favor, nine against, and 13 abstentions. The measure urges “an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire” and calls for the release of all hostages.
The resolution reflects global opinion on the 14-month war in Gaza, which has resulted in over 44,000 deaths. Palestine’s UN envoy Riyad Mansour described Gaza as an “open, painful wound for the human family.” Slovenia’s envoy Samuel Zbogar stated that “history is the harshest critic of inaction.”
The US and Israel have rejected the resolution, with the US Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood calling it “shameful and wrong” due to its lack of conditions on hostage release. Israel’s UN envoy Danny Danon described the vote as “not a vote for compassion, but for complicity.” Despite the rejection, the resolution is seen as a symbolic gesture reflecting global support for a ceasefire.
The General Assembly also approved another resolution supporting the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), which has been opposed by Israel. The US and seven other countries voted against this measure, while 11 others abstained.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/un-general-assembly-passes-resolution-on-gaza-ceasefire/a-71029784