UN Assembly Backs Gaza Ceasefire in Overwhelming Vote

UN General Assembly votes on Israeli actions in occupied Palestinian territories.

Meeting in emergency session on Thursday, the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted a resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional, and lasting ceasefire in Gaza.

The vote followed the Security Council’s failure to pass a similar resolution last week due to a veto by the United States, a permanent member.

The General Assembly resolution was supported by 149 Member States, with 12 voting against and 19 abstaining. The United States and Israel were among those opposing the measure, joined by Argentina, Hungary, and Paraguay. Countries abstaining included India, Georgia, Ecuador, Romania, and Ethiopia.

Condemnation of Starvation as a Weapon of War

Introduced by more than 20 countries, the resolution strongly condemned the use of starvation as a weapon of war, demanded the full lifting of the Israeli blockade on humanitarian aid, and emphasized the need to protect civilians under international law.

While General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, they carry significant political and moral weight.

On 4 June, the Security Council failed to adopt a similar resolution after the U.S. vetoed the draft. Meanwhile, famine conditions continue to threaten lives in Gaza, with ongoing reports of civilians being killed or injured while trying to access food at non-UN distribution points, some of which are supported by Israel and the United States.

Assembly Acts as Security Council Stalls

Opening the special session, General Assembly President Philémon Yang declared, “The horrors in Gaza must end,” criticizing the Security Council’s paralysis and its failure to uphold international peace and security.

Calling the situation “unacceptable,” Mr. Yang highlighted the severe deprivation of food, water, and medicine; the ongoing captivity of hostages; and the urgent need for international action.

He also noted that next week’s high-level meeting in New York—chaired by France and Saudi Arabia—will focus on implementing a two-State solution and could offer renewed momentum toward peace in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Key Elements of the Resolution:

• Ceasefire: Calls for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire by all parties.

• Hostages: Demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other armed groups.

• Implementation: Urges full implementation of Security Council resolution 2735 (2024), including ceasefire terms, hostage and prisoner exchanges, return of displaced persons, and Israeli troop withdrawal.

• International Law: Reaffirms the obligation of all parties to uphold international humanitarian and human rights law, with emphasis on civilian protection and accountability.

• Starvation Tactics: Condemns the use of starvation and denial of aid as methods of warfare.

• Humanitarian Access: Demands full, safe, and unimpeded delivery of essential aid—food, medicine, water, shelter, and fuel—throughout Gaza.

• Detention: Calls for the humane treatment and release of arbitrarily detained individuals, and the return of remains.

• ICJ Opinion: Recalls the request for an urgent advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on Israel’s obligations in the occupied territories.

• End of Blockade: Demands that Israel lift the blockade on Gaza and open all border crossings for aid delivery.

• Accountability: Urges all Member States to ensure Israel complies with its international legal obligations.

• UN and Humanitarian Personnel: Calls for full respect for the role and immunity of UN staff and aid workers.

• Protection of Aid Workers: Emphasizes the safety of humanitarian and UN personnel.

• Medical Neutrality: Reaffirms the duty to protect medical workers, health facilities, and transport routes.