UN Votes for a Ceasefire in Gaza, as ground assault starts

NY October 28, 2023 (QJ) -The United Nations General Assembly has today adopted a resolution submitted by Arab countries while rejecting proposals submitted by the United States and Canada.

A total of 120 countries fully supported the call for an immediate ceasefire, while 14 countries, including Israel and the United States, opposed it, and 45 countries abstained. Member countries of the United Nations generally amount to 193 nations.

The countries that opposed were the United States and Israel and were joined by several European nations and some small island states that are politically aligned with the United States.

The resolution called for a cessation of hostilities and for humanitarian aid to be delivered to the people of Gaza, the alleviation of the humanitarian crisis, and the reconstruction of infrastructure in Gaza.

Although the decisions of the United Nations General Assembly are not binding, it is evident that there is a global concern for the Palestinian issue, especially with the strong stance taken by the majority of countries, despite the United States and its allies.

The United States and Canada presented amendments to the wording of the resolution and called for adding condemnation of Hamas but their amendments were heavily defeated.

Before the UN voting took place, Israel began its most intense bombardment of Gaza, particularly targeting the destruction of telecommunications and the internet.