UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and demanding expanded humanitarian access, after member states met in an emergency session at U.N. headquarters in New York on Thursday.
The resolution was approved by an overwhelming majority of the 193-member body, with 149 countries voting in favor, 12 against and 19 abstaining, according to U.N. voting records. The measure followed the failure of the U.N. Security Council to adopt a similar resolution earlier this month after a veto by the United States.
The text demands “an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire” to be respected by all parties. It also calls for the immediate release of hostages held in Gaza, expanded humanitarian assistance throughout the territory and compliance with international humanitarian law.
According to the resolution, the General Assembly strongly condemned the use of starvation as a method of warfare and called for the removal of barriers to humanitarian aid deliveries. It further demanded that Israel end the blockade of Gaza, open border crossings and facilitate the delivery of assistance to civilians across the enclave.
Opening the emergency session, General Assembly President Philémon Yang said, “The horrors in Gaza must end,” according to U.N. coverage of the meeting. Yang also cited the humanitarian situation in the territory and urged member states to support efforts aimed at protecting civilians and advancing peace.
Countries supporting the resolution said it reflected growing international concern over humanitarian conditions in Gaza and the need for a ceasefire. Several delegations argued that the measure was necessary because the Security Council had been unable to act.
Israel and the United States were among the countries voting against the resolution. Opponents argued that previous General Assembly resolutions had not sufficiently addressed the actions of Hamas and raised concerns about the effectiveness of non-binding measures. General Assembly resolutions carry political weight but are not legally binding under international law.
The resolution also urged implementation of previous U.N. decisions concerning ceasefire arrangements, hostage releases, prisoner exchanges and humanitarian access. Member states reiterated calls for the protection of civilians and accountability for violations of international law.
The vote took place amid continued international concern over conditions in Gaza and ongoing diplomatic efforts related to the conflict. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres said earlier this week that ceasefires in Gaza and elsewhere in the region should be fully respected and called for the reopening of crossings to allow humanitarian aid to enter the territory.
As of Friday, no immediate change in the situation on the ground had been announced. U.N. officials said humanitarian access and ceasefire efforts remained key priorities in ongoing diplomatic discussions.
