The United Nations General Assembly has approved a historic resolution advocating for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, intensifying pressure on Israel. With 153 votes in favor, the resolution, though non-binding, gained significant support from the 193 member nations, surpassing the usual backing for resolutions condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Notably, ten countries, including the United States and Israel, opposed the resolution, while 23 abstained from voting.
The General Assembly’s decision follows the Security Council’s inability to issue a similar call for cessation despite its responsibility for global peace and security.
The Security Council’s delayed and relatively weak response, issued in mid-November after four rejected texts, drew criticism for its perceived double standards.
Egypt’s UN Ambassador, Osama Mahmoud Abdelkhalek Mahmoud, denounced what he called Washington’s efforts to shield Israel diplomatically before the General Assembly vote, labeling them as “despicable double standards.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned of an impending “complete breakdown of public order” in the besieged Gaza Strip.
In the aftermath of the Security Council’s failure, numerous countries and human rights organizations expressed condemnation, with Guterres asserting that the Council’s authority and credibility had been “undermined.”
Washington’s UN Ambassador, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, acknowledged the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and credited U.S. diplomacy on the ground for facilitating a week-long humanitarian pause last month.
Thomas-Greenfield urged support for an amendment condemning Hamas, which was ultimately rejected, and called on Israel to refrain from widespread displacement of civilians in southern Gaza. While recognizing Israel’s pursuit of “legitimate military objectives,” she emphasized the importance of addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
