nexnews – The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has passed a non-binding resolution with significant support, calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages. The resolution, A/ES-10/L.33, was endorsed by 158 out of 193 member states during the UNGA’s 59th Plenary meeting and 10th emergency special session.
Ceasefire in Gaza
The resolution demands an immediate halt to hostilities in Gaza, urging Israel to cease its military actions in the region. Additionally, the resolution calls for the unconditional release of all hostages held in Gaza. While the motion received 9 votes against and 13 abstentions, it was passed by a large majority, signaling global concern over the ongoing conflict.
This move at the UNGA came after a similar proposal at the UN Security Council was blocked by the United States last month. The U.S. vetoed the measure to protect its ally, Israel, but the UNGA’s symbolic resolution offers a clear stance from the international community.
Iran’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, expressed his country’s support for the resolution, emphasizing the urgency of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Iravani also reaffirmed that Iran’s vote in favor of the resolution did not change its long-standing position on the Palestinian issue.
After the resolution was adopted, many representatives of UN member countries, including Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour, approached the Palestinian delegation to offer their congratulations and express solidarity with the Palestinian people.
In addition to the ceasefire resolution, the UNGA also passed a measure supporting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), condemning Israel’s recent actions to restrict the agency’s operations in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Earlier in December, a separate resolution was approved calling for an international conference on a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian issue, set to take place in New York in June. The conference aims to promote irreversible steps toward ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and achieving a lasting peace.
This resolution marks a continued push by the UNGA for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East, with a focus on establishing an independent Palestinian state.
This move follows a September resolution, where the General Assembly also called for Israel to end its illegal occupation of Palestinian territories within 12 months. This resolution received widespread support, highlighting the UN’s ongoing efforts to address the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
