Gaza, UN approves resolution for immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access
UN member states voted overwhelmingly to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and unrestricted access for the delivery of desperately needed food to 2 million Palestinians.The vote in the 193-member General Assembly ended with 149 votes in favour, 12 against and 19 abstentions
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UN member states voted overwhelmingly to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and unrestricted access to deliver desperately needed food to 2 million Palestinians.
The vote in the 193-member General Assembly ended with 149 votes in favour, 12 against and 19 abstentions. The resolution was adopted amid applause. The text, drafted by Spain, 'strongly condemns any use of starvation of the civilian population as a method of warfare'.
Speaking before the vote, Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon vehemently opposed the resolution. Danon denied that Israel is using hunger as a weapon of war, calling the accusation "anti-Semitic slander", and insisted that aid is being delivered.
Gaza ceasefire: yes from 149 countries
"The UN General Assembly has just adopted the resolution presented by Spain together with Palestine. 149 countries demand an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and respect for international humanitarian law'. With this message on social X, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares welcomed the approval, by 149 votes to 12, of a resolution submitted by Spain and Palestine to an emergency special meeting of the UN General Assembly.
The initiative was announced on 7 May in the Spanish Congress by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to coincide with the anniversary of Spain's recognition of the State of Palestine. It recalls the obligation in an armed conflict to respect and protect the civilian population and urges all states to respect and protect UN humanitarian and medical personnel. And 'rejects' any action aimed at obstructing the implementation of the mandate of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
