The United Nations (UN) General Assembly approved a resolution on Tuesday calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip amid the war between Israel and Hamas. At the same time, it demands that both parties obey international humanitarian law and that the terrorist group release the hostages it captured during the October 7 attacks, which left 1,200 dead.
According to the president of the General Assembly, Dennis Francis, the text is a crucial step to put an "end to the bloodshed" in Gaza.
"Right now, what we are seeing is an onslaught on civilians, the breakdown of humanitarian assistance and profound disrespect for international law. Even war has rules, and it is imperative we prevent any deviation from these principles and values," he added.
BREAKING: UN General Assembly ADOPTS resolution demanding immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, as well as immediate and unconditional release of all hostages
FOR: 153
AGAINST: 10
ABSTAIN: 23LIVE COVERAGEhttps://t.co/ZqtRtIawGx pic.twitter.com/rAdk8BEmDL
— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) December 12, 2023
For his part, the Israeli ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, focused his speech on the atrocities committed by Hamas during the attacks, particularly highlighting the "heinous acts of sexual violence." Regarding his arguments against the resolution, he assured that it would allow the terrorist group to continue carrying out its attacks.
"There are no war crimes more heinous than the atrocities Hamas committed. And those that support this resolution are giving the terrorists a free pass," he added.
The countries that joined the United States and Israel against the resolution
The text was approved by an overwhelming majority of 153 votes in favor, 23 abstentions and 10 against. Precisely, in addition to the United States and Israel, the countries that gave the resolution a thumbs down were: Austria, Czech Republic, Guatemala, Liberia, Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea and Paraguay.
Regarding the text of the resolution, it demanded an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire," reiterated the demand "that all parties fulfill their obligations under international law," insisted on the immediate release of the hostages and temporarily postponed the tenth emergency special session.
