In a significant move towards peace, the United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly voted in favor of an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution, which passed with 158 votes in favor, nine against, and 13 abstentions, calls for an end to the ongoing hostilities and the immediate release of all hostages.
Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour expressed hope following the vote, stating, “We will continue to knock on the door of the Security Council and the Assembly until a ceasefire is put in place. Gaza is the bleeding heart of Palestine and an open wound for humanity.”
However, the resolution faced rejection from Israel and the United States. Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon criticized the vote, saying, “Today’s vote is not a vote of compassion; it is a vote of betrayal and an abandonment of the hostages.” U.S. Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood warned that adopting the resolution would be “shameful” and could send Hamas “the dangerous message there is no need to negotiate or release the hostages.”
The conflict has escalated over the past year, with Israel conducting a military offensive in the Palestinian territory in retaliation for Hamas’ unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Amidst the tensions, Ambassador Fu Cong, Permanent Representative of China to the UN, urged the international community to push for an immediate ceasefire. “The world cannot revert to an era dominated by the law of the jungle, and we can’t allow the law of the jungle to become the new norm. We must push for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of unconditional action, stating, “A ceasefire is essential for saving lives and restoring peace. Tying the ceasefire to other issues or setting preconditions for it actually gives a green light to the continuation of conflict and connives at ongoing killings. We must uphold the authority of international law, fulfill our obligations under it, and tolerate no exceptions.”
The General Assembly’s resolution mirrors a similar text that was blocked weeks ago in the Security Council due to a U.S. veto. The repeated use of veto power by the U.S. has drawn criticism from various quarters, highlighting the complexities of the international response to the conflict.
The call for a ceasefire comes at a critical time, with international pressure mounting to end the violence in Gaza and address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region. The global community watches closely as efforts continue to broker peace and navigate the geopolitical challenges that underpin the conflict.
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Gaza peace hopes as UN General Assembly demands 'unconditional' truce
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