UN General Assembly demands Gaza ceasefire and hostage release

The UN General Assembly adopted two key resolutions on Wednesday night, demanding an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of all hostages. It also reaffirmed its full support for the embattled UN agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA).

The actions were taken at the Assembly’s resumed tenth emergency special session, following the failure of the Security Council to adopt a resolution demanding such a ceasefire and full hostage release.

Despite securing 14 votes in favour, that text put forward by the 10 elected members of the Council, failed to pass owing to a veto from permanent member the United States.

In adopting the resolution entitled “Demand for ceasefire in Gaza” (A/ES-10/L.33), the 193-member Assembly also demanded all parties “fully comply with international law”, including international humanitarian law, especially as it relates to protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. The resolution was the second explicit demand for a ceasefire by the Assembly at the resumed special session, since the outbreak of the war in Gaza on October 7, 2023.

It was adopted with 158 nations in favour and nine against, with 13 abstentions.

There were some notable changes in how countries voted compared with previous resolution.

Those voting in favour on Wednesday, having abstained or opposed the earlier resolution, were: Austria, Bulgaria, Cabo Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Germany, Guatemala, Italy, Liberia, Marshall Islands, the Netherlands, Romania, the United Kingdom, and Uruguay.

Albania and Fiji abstained on Wednesday, having supported the resolution last year. Micronesia also abstained, having opposed the earlier resolution.

(UN News)

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