UN General Assembly is set to vote Wednesday on a draft resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, following the United States’ veto of a similar measure in the UN Security Council. Although non-binding, the resolution seeks an “immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire,” the release of all hostages, and unrestricted humanitarian aid access to Gaza’s war-affected citizens.
The draft resolution responds to the prolonged conflict between Israel and Hamas, which escalated after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack that killed 1,208 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally. Hostage-taking during the attack left 251 individuals in captivity, with 96 still held in Gaza, including 34 reported dead. In retaliation, Israel’s military offensive has claimed over 44,786 lives, primarily civilians, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, data the UN considers reliable.
Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour called Gaza “the bleeding heart of Palestine,” urging nations to act decisively. He described the humanitarian crisis as an ongoing nightmare that demands immediate international intervention.
Israel has criticized the resolution, with Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon accusing the UN of enabling a “glorification of terror.” The draft also requests UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to propose mechanisms to ensure accountability for violations of international law in Gaza.
A separate draft resolution seeks to ensure Israel respects UNRWA’s mandate, enabling continued humanitarian operations. Israel’s decision to ban the agency, effective January 28, has drawn global condemnation, including from its ally, the United States.
