The United Nations General Assembly has voted overwhelmingly in favour of two resolutions: one demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and another expressing support for the work of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). The resolutions were adopted with 158 votes in favour and nine against.
The assembly passed a resolution calling for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, which was echoed by a second resolution supporting UNRWA. Both resolutions condemn Israel’s 14-month war on the Palestinian territory, which has resulted in at least 44,805 deaths and 106,257 injuries.
Speakers at the assembly called for an end to the violence, with Slovenia’s Ambassador Samuel Zbogar stating that “Gaza doesn’t exist anymore” due to its destruction. Algeria’s deputy UN ambassador Nacim Gaouaoui warned that the world’s inability to stop the war would have severe consequences.
The resolutions also express support for UNRWA and condemn a new Israeli law banning the agency’s operations in Israel. The language of both resolutions is similar to a vetoed Security Council resolution, demanding an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages.
Despite being adopted by the General Assembly, which has no legally binding authority, these resolutions reflect world opinion and put pressure on Israel and its allies to act.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/12/un-general-assembly-demands-immediate-ceasefire-in-gaza-supports-unrwa