UN calls for humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza

The United Nations (UN) on Tuesday called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas, after more than three-quarters of the 193 members of the General Assembly supported the measure, which the United States had vetoed of Security last week.

Washington does not have a veto in the General Assembly, but it voted against the draft resolution, along with Israel and eight other countries. The text received 153 votes in favour, while 23 countries abstained from voting.

General Assembly resolutions are not binding but carry political weight, reflecting a global view of the war.

US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the General Assembly before the vote that some aspects of the resolution are supported by the United States, such as the need to urgently resolve the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, protect civilians and free hostages.

But he added: “Any ceasefire at this time would be temporary at best and dangerous at worst – dangerous for the Israelis, who would be subject to incessant attacks, and also dangerous for the Palestinians, who deserve the chance to build a future better for themselves, free from Hamas.”

Ahead of the UN vote, US President Joe Biden said at a fundraiser for his 2024 re-election campaign that Israel was losing international support due to the “indiscriminate bombing that is taking place”.

Israel bombed Gaza from the air, imposed a siege and launched a ground offensive in retaliation for the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas that Israel says killed 1,200 people and took 240 people hostage. Gaza’s Health Ministry says 18,205 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 50,000 injured.

The General Assembly resolution also calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and compliance with international law by the parties to the conflict, particularly with regard to the protection of civilians.

Source: Terra

Rose

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