UN General Assembly votes in favor of immediate ceasefire in Gaza

The United Nations General Assembly has passed a resolution calling for an urgent humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, in a clear statement against the United States' recent decision to veto a similar resolution in the Security Council. The resolution was supported by 153 nations during the emergency special session on Tuesday, with 10 nations opposing and 23 abstaining.

The resolution passed on Tuesday calls for a ceasefire, urging all parties to adhere to international law, and demanding humanitarian access to hostages for their "immediate and unconditional" release. The language in this resolution is stronger than the one passed in October, which only called for a "sustained humanitarian truce." Although a general assembly vote holds political significance and moral weight, it is non-binding unlike a Security Council resolution.

As the war between Israel and Hamas reaches its third month, medics and aid groups are warning of a dire humanitarian crisis in besieged Gaza. The Hamas-controlled health ministry reported over 18,000 deaths since the conflict began. Israel has vowed to continue its military campaign until it eradicates Hamas, citing the group's attack that killed 1,200 people and resulted in 240 kidnappings. Despite the release of some hostages, over 100 individuals are believed to still be held in Gaza.

Israel claims to be targeting Hamas militants, but humanitarian organizations have expressed concern about the impact on civilians during its military operations. UN officials are cautioning that the destruction of essential infrastructure and limited access to basic necessities such as water, medicine, and food could result in more deaths from diseases than from the bombs and missiles in Gaza. Additionally, hunger is becoming a pressing issue in the region.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned last week that the humanitarian support system in Gaza is on the verge of collapse, which could lead to devastating consequences. Despite previous agreement to a seven-day truce for the release of hostages, Israel, with strong backing from the US, has refused calls for a ceasefire.

On Friday, the United States vetoed a ceasefire resolution in the UN Security Council, which had been approved by a majority of the powerful 15-member council.