UNITED NATIONS, Jun 13 (APP): The U.N. General Assembly adopted, by a large majority, a resolution Thursday evening demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and the opening of all Israeli border crossings for deliveries of desperately needed food and other aid for the suffering Palestinian people.
The resolution, drafted by Spain, and co-sponsored by Pakistan and 47 other states, received 149 votes in favour to 12 against, with 19 abstentions.
Under its terms, the 193-member Assembly “strongly condemns any use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare.”
Experts and human rights workers say hunger is widespread in Gaza and some 2 million Palestinians are at risk of famine if Israel does not fully lift its blockade and halt its military campaign, which it renewed in March after ending a ceasefire with Hamas.
Last week, the U.N. Security Council failed to pass a resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and calling on Israel to lift all restrictions on the delivery of aid. The United States vetoed the resolution because it was not linked to the release of the hostages, while all 14 other members of the Council voted in favour
There are no vetoes in the General Assembly, but unlike in the Security Council, the Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, though they are seen as a barometer of world opinion.
Thursday’s draft resolution references a March 28 legally binding order by the top United Nations court for Israel to open more land crossings into Gaza for food, water, fuel and other supplies. The International Court of Justice issued the order in a case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of acts of genocide in its war in Gaza, charges Israel strongly denies.
The resolution stresses that Israel, as an occupying power, has an obligation under international law to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need.
It reiterates the assembly’s commitment to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with the Gaza Strip as part of a Palestinian state. The assembly is holding a high-level meeting next week to push for a two-state solution, which Israel has rejected.
The resolution supports mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the United States aimed at implementing a January ceasefire agreement. When the U.S. vetoed last week’s Gaza resolution, acting American Ambassador Dorothy Shea said it would have undermined the security of Israel and diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire “that reflects the realities on the ground.”
