Hamas – Israel conflict: UN General Assembly adopts resolution calling for ceasefire in Gaza Strip

SGGPO 10/28/2023 08:06

According to Al Jazeera news agency, on the morning of October 28, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution calling on Israel and Hamas to immediately cease fire for humanitarian purposes.

The Jordanian-sponsored resolution passed with 120 votes in favor, 14 against and 45 abstentions. The resolution calls for an “immediate and lasting humanitarian ceasefire” between Israel and Hamas.

The resolution also demands that all parties comply with international humanitarian law, immediately and unconditionally release all hostages, and ensure “unimpeded, sufficient and continuous” supplies to civilians trapped in the area amid reports that Israel has expanded its ground operations and intensified its bombing of the Gaza Strip.

Cuộc bỏ phiếu về kêu gọi ngừng bắn tại Dải Gaza của ĐHĐ LHQ. Ảnh: AL JAZEERA ảnh 1

UN General Assembly vote on Gaza ceasefire call. Photo: AL JAZEERA

The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has repeatedly warned that humanitarian assistance in Gaza could be cut off if fuel is not delivered to the region. Aid has been delivered to Gaza, but it is not enough to meet the needs of the population. Meanwhile, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) estimates that 96% of Gazans have been pushed into poverty by the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel.

This is the first resolution officially adopted by the UN since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on October 7. Although not legally binding, the resolution is a symbolic step, demonstrating the efforts of the UN and its member states in finding solutions to ease tensions and find a way out of the current conflict.

French Ambassador to the UN Nicolas de Rivière said his country supported the resolution because “nothing can justify the killing of civilians.” However, so far, the Security Council (UNSC), the most powerful body of the UN, has voted on four draft resolutions, but not a single document has been adopted.

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