UN General Assembly to Vote on Gaza Ceasefire Amid Global Outcry

The UN General Assembly is set to vote on a resolution calling for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

This vote follows an overwhelming call from member states for a halt to hostilities amid the ongoing conflict that has resulted in significant civilian casualties and humanitarian crises in the region.

The draft resolution aims to ensure humanitarian access and compliance with international humanitarian law, reflecting a growing international consensus on the need for urgent action to protect civilians.

There has been substantial backing from various countries, with 153 votes expected in favour while 23 countries are anticipated to abstain from voting.

This vote comes after more than 14 months of conflict, which escalated following Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023. The situation has led to widespread destruction and a dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, prompting calls for urgent intervention.

In a related development, Amnesty International has criticized the U.S. for its apparent support of Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, despite an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against him.

This criticism highlights ongoing tensions regarding international accountability and the perceived complicity of nations in the Israeli military actions against Palestinians.

UN Official Urges ‘Political Will’ to Address Gaza Crisis

The UN’s senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, emphasized the urgent need for political will to tackle the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Anadolu reports.

“I have painted a very, very bleak picture as civilians in Gaza continue to suffer,” Kaag said after a closed UN Security Council session. She added, “Nothing prepares you for what you see, what you hear, and the conversations you’re having with Palestinians in Gaza.”

Having observed Gaza over three decades, Kaag noted, “We are at a low point.”