The UN Votes for a Gaza Humanitarian ceasefire resolution

NY December 13, 2023 (QJ) -The United Nations called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip yesterday afternoon, following an extraordinary meeting of the General Assembly.

In the face of a dire humanitarian crisis and escalating violence in Gaza, 193 members of the UN General Assembly reached a consensus on a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire. The resolution received support from 153 countries, with 23 abstentions, and 10 nations voting against it. Notably, both Israel and the United States were among those voting against it, arguing that Hamas benefits from the ceasefire.

The resolution is not solely focused on condemning violence but also reflects political considerations, providing a snapshot of global perspectives and where international governments stand on the Gaza conflict.
The Palestinian leadership welcomed the resolution, urging countries to pressure Israel to end the indiscriminate use of force.

The Israeli Ambassador to the UN expressed disappointment in the General Assembly’s resolution, stating that it only serves to slow down Israel’s right to defend itself against the rocket attacks. Thirteen out of the 15 Security Council members had previously failed to adopt a similar resolution, with only the United Kingdom abstaining.
Since the beginning of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza on October 7th, more than 18,000 people, including a significant number of women and children, have been killed in the Gaza Strip. Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7 and killed more than 1,200 Israelis. They also kidnapped more than 250 others.