The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday overwhelmingly adopted a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, reflecting growing international concern over the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the territory after months of sustained violence.
The resolution, drafted by Spain, was approved by a significant majority, with 149 of the 193 member states voting in favor. Only 12 countries opposed the measure, while 19 abstained. The vote, met with warm applause in the Assembly Hall, underscored a global consensus on the urgent need to halt hostilities and provide life-saving aid to civilians trapped in Gaza.
Humanitarian Priorities
The resolution calls for the unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and demands unimpeded humanitarian access to approximately two million Palestinians in Gaza. The enclave has been devastated by ongoing Israeli airstrikes and a strict blockade that has severely limited access to food, water, fuel, and medical supplies.
In a notable provision, the resolution “strongly condemns the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare,” a pointed reference to the severe restrictions on aid deliveries into Gaza. Human rights groups and international aid agencies have repeatedly warned of rising malnutrition, with many describing conditions in parts of the Strip as near-famine.
The United Nations and several international relief organizations have strongly condemned the current mechanism for distributing humanitarian aid in Gaza, warning that it places civilians at grave risk. Their primary concern centers on the requirement for residents to cross Israeli-controlled zones to access food and essential supplies—routes that are frequently under shelling.
In a statement, the UN emphasized that no aid distribution plan should compel civilians to endanger their lives, arguing that such practices violate core humanitarian principles.
However, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which is operating the aid initiative, pushed back against the criticism. It accused the UN of failing to support the only large-scale distribution effort permitted by Israeli authorities. The foundation maintains that its method, though imperfect, offers the most effective access to aid under the current restrictions.
The standoff highlights growing friction between international agencies and local actors over how best to deliver aid in one of the world’s most perilous humanitarian crises. While the UN insists on upholding safety standards, the foundation argues that waiting for ideal conditions risks leaving vulnerable populations without immediate relief.
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