The United Nations General Assembly has passed two resolutions demanding an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and expressing support for the UN’s agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. The first resolution demanded an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, while the second resolution supported UNRWA and denounced a new Israeli law that would ban the agency’s operations in Israel. The resolutions were passed with overwhelming support from the assembly, with only a few countries voting against or abstaining.
During the assembly, diplomats from various countries spoke out against Israel’s ongoing war on the Gaza territory, which has resulted in many casualties, including a significant number of women and children. The speakers called for an end to the violence and for the immediate release of hostages held in Gaza. The resolution also called on Israel to respect UNRWA’s mandate and provide humanitarian assistance to the people in Gaza.
The US and Israel were in the minority of countries voting against the resolutions, with both voicing their opposition to the ceasefire initiative. The General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding but reflect global opinion on the issue. The Palestinians and their supporters turned to the General Assembly after the US vetoed a Security Council resolution on the same matter. Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour emphasized the dire situation in Gaza, calling for action to end the suffering of the people in the region.
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