United Nations, June 14: The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday overwhelmingly approved a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid to 2 million Palestinians facing starvation.
The non-binding resolution, drafted by Spain, passed with 149 votes in favor, 12 against, and 19 abstentions in the 193-member assembly. The vote was met with applause in the chamber.
The measure “strongly condemns any use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare” and calls for the implementation of a January ceasefire agreement. It follows the UN Security Council’s failure last week to adopt a similar resolution due to a U.S. veto.
U.S. Acting Ambassador to the UN Dorothy Shea said the resolution “sends an unacceptable message to Hamas and other Iran-backed terrorist proxies,” arguing it could be seen as rewarding the group for hostage-taking and attacks launched from civilian areas.
Unlike in the Security Council, there are no vetoes in the General Assembly, though its resolutions are not legally enforceable. They are widely regarded as a reflection of global sentiment.
The Palestinian UN envoy, Riyad Mansour, urged nations to support the resolution, warning, “The actions you take today to stop the killing, displacement and the famine will determine how many more Palestinian children die a horrible death.”
Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza following Hamas’ October 7, 2023 assault in southern Israel, which killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 55,000 Palestinians have been killed since then, with women and children making up the majority. Israel claims it has killed more than 20,000 militants, though has provided no public evidence.
Following a 10-week blockade that halted all aid, Israel has permitted limited UN deliveries and supports a new U.S.-led aid initiative. However, both systems have faced logistical breakdowns, Israeli restrictions, and deadly incidents at aid distribution sites.
The resolution also affirms Israel’s legal obligations as an occupying power to ensure humanitarian relief reaches civilians, referencing a March 28 ruling by the International Court of Justice that ordered Israel to open more border crossings into Gaza.
It reiterates international support for a two-state solution, envisioning Gaza as part of a future Palestinian state. The General Assembly is expected to convene a high-level meeting next week to advance diplomatic efforts toward that goal.
