The United Nations General Assembly voted on Tuesday to demand an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. The resolution received overwhelming support, with more than three-quarters of the 193-member General Assembly backing the move, reflecting a global view on the war.
The ceasefire resolution, which had been vetoed by the United States in the Security Council last week, garnered 153 votes in favor, while 23 countries abstained from the vote. U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield stated that there were aspects of the resolution that the U.S. supported, such as the need to urgently address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, protect civilians, and free hostages. However, she also cautioned that any ceasefire at this time “would be temporary at best and dangerous at worst.”
The conflict has seen Israel bombarding Gaza from the air, launching a ground offensive, and imposing a siege in retaliation for an attack by Hamas that Israel says killed 1,200 people and saw 240 people taken hostage. Gaza’s health ministry reports that 18,205 Palestinians have been killed, with nearly 50,000 wounded.
The U.N. resolution also demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and calls for compliance with international law, particularly with regard to the protection of civilians. The resolution comes after President Joe Biden expressed concerns that Israel was losing international support due to the “indiscriminate bombing” in Gaza.
Efforts by the United States to amend the resolution to include condemnation of Hamas and the taking of hostages, as well as a bid by Austria to name Hamas as holding the hostages, failed to gain majority support.
The United States and Israel oppose a ceasefire, believing it would only benefit Hamas. Instead, they support pauses in fighting to protect civilians and allow the release of hostages taken by Palestinian militants.
Despite the General Assembly vote, the conflict and the humanitarian situation in Gaza continue to be a matter of concern for the international community.
Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Grant McCool