United Nations General Assembly Advocates for Ceasefire in Gaza to End Israel-Hamas Conflict

The United Nations General Assembly has endorsed a nonbinding resolution that urges a “humanitarian truce” in Gaza, aiming to cease the ongoing fighting between Israel and the governing body of Gaza, Hamas.

This represents the first formal reaction from the United Nations to the unexpected attacks initiated by Hamas on Israel on October 7, along with Israel’s continuous military countermeasures and its declared intent to dismantle Hamas.

With a voting count of 120 in favor, 14 against, and 45 abstentions, the resolution was passed despite the defeat of a Canadian proposal, supported by the United States, which sought to categorically denounce Hamas’ October 7 attacks as “terrorist actions” and called for the immediate liberation of hostages held by the group.

The Need for Prompt Action

Jordan’s Ambassador to the U.N., Mahmoud Hmoud, spoke on behalf of the 22-member Arab delegation that had drafted the resolution, stressing the urgency of a vote ahead of the addresses of all 112 scheduled speakers. The resolution aims to address the inability of the Security Council, comprised of 15 influential member states, to reach a consensus after four unsuccessful attempts.

While Security Council resolutions hold legal weight, resolutions by the General Assembly do not; however, they serve as a reflection of global sentiment.

A Contentious Decision

U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield expressed that the resolution was “outrageous” for failing to mention Hamas, adding that it compromises the vision of a two-state resolution. Oman, representing the Gulf Cooperation Council, censured Israel for its “siege” of Gaza and its collective punishment of Palestinians.

Specific Terms of the Resolution

The resolution not only urges an “immediate, lasting, and sustained humanitarian truce” but also calls for the immediate observance of international humanitarian and human rights laws, specifically the protection of civilians and critical infrastructure such as schools and hospitals. Additionally, it insists on the unhindered access for essential supplies into Gaza and for humanitarian workers.

The resolution categorically rejects any attempts to forcibly relocate the Palestinian civilian population and underscores the necessity to promptly develop a mechanism for their protection.

It further highlights the urgency of preventing any further destabilization and intensification of hostilities in the region. It calls upon all parties to exercise “utmost restraint” and urges influential entities to guide them toward achieving this objective.

Deeply Rooted Concerns

During the emergency session, there was overwhelming support for the Arab delegation’s initial draft resolution, which pressed for an immediate ceasefire. Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian Ambassador to the U.N., pointed out that 70% of the casualties in Gaza were women and children and appealed for an end to hostilities, emphasizing the potential lives that could be saved.

The proposal for a ceasefire and the protection of Palestinian civilians, who have been under continual Israeli airstrikes, coupled with an urgent need for essential provisions like food, water, medicine, and fuel, drew intense and fervent discussions during the session.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about United Nations General Assembly Resolution on Gaza Ceasefire

More about United Nations General Assembly Resolution on Gaza Ceasefire

• United Nations Official Press Release
• Voting Record on Gaza Resolution in U.N. General Assembly
• Statement by U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield
• Overview of Israel-Hamas Conflict
• International Humanitarian and Human Rights Laws
• Canadian Amendment Details
• Arab Delegation’s Initial Draft Resolution
• Gaza Health Ministry Statistics on Casualties
• Remarks by Palestinian U.N. Ambassador Riyad Mansour
• History of Israel-Palestine Conflict and Two-State Solution