NEW YORK: The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday voted in favor of a resolution demanding an "immediate durable and sustained humanitarian truce" in Gaza. The draft resolution, presented by a coalition of nearly 50 countries, including Turkey, Palestine, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, won approval with 120 votes in favor, 14 against, and 45 abstentions.
According to a new release by Philippines News Agency, the resolution was adopted during the 10th Emergency Special Session, which focused on the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The resolution expressed concern over the "latest escalation of violence" that began with Hamas' attack on Israel on Oct. 7. It condemned all forms of violence against both Palestinian and Israeli civilians, including acts of terror and indiscriminate attacks. It further demanded that all parties "immediately and fully comply" with their obligations under international law.
The resolution also emphasized the need to protect civilians "in accordance with international humanitarian law and international human rights law." It called for the "immediate and unconditional release" of civilians held captive illegally. Additionally, the resolution stressed the importance of preventing further destabilization and escalation of violence in the region.
The passage of this resolution follows the UNGA's rejection of a Canadian amendment, supported by the United States, which sought to condemn the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas as "terrorist attacks." The resolution's approval also comes in the wake of four previous draft resolutions on the issue that were vetoed at the UN Security Council within a span of 10 days.