New York: The United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid to nearly 2 million Palestinians.
Out of the 193 UN member states, 149 supported the Spanish-drafted resolution, with only 12 opposing and 19 abstaining. The resolution, which explicitly condemns the use of starvation as a weapon of war, was met with applause inside the chamber, signaling global frustration over the prolonged conflict and deepening humanitarian emergency in Gaza.
Despite fierce objections from Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon—who labeled the accusations of using starvation as “blood libel”—the resolution passed. Danon argued that Israel continues to allow aid into Gaza and denied allegations of deliberately targeting civilians. However, human rights experts and UN agencies warned that famine conditions are spreading rapidly, with Israel’s military operations and blockade largely to blame.
They stressed that unless Israel lifts restrictions and halts attacks, millions are at risk of starvation. The resolution was introduced by Spain’s UN Ambassador Héctor José Gómez Hernández, who urged the global body to act in light of what he called “a catastrophic humanitarian situation.” Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour also issued an emotional appeal, stating that the international community’s decisions “will determine how many more Palestinian children die a horrible death.”
The resolution follows a failed effort at the UN Security Council, where a similar call for ceasefire and aid delivery was blocked by the United States due to its lack of language linking the ceasefire to the release of hostages. In contrast, the General Assembly—where vetoes are not allowed—moved forward, although its resolutions are not legally binding. Nonetheless, they reflect international consensus and moral pressure.
The resolution reinforces a March 28 ruling from the International Court of Justice ordering Israel to open more land crossings for essential supplies and to comply with its obligations as an occupying power under international law. That case was brought by South Africa, which has accused Israel of genocide—an accusation Israel firmly denies.
Despite the vote, challenges remain. While Israel has recently permitted some food parcels into Gaza via the newly formed U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, daily violence and logistical chaos have severely hampered distribution. Aid convoys have come under fire, and UN-led efforts remain paralyzed by Israeli-imposed constraints and local lawlessness. The resolution also supports mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to enforce a ceasefire agreement first proposed in January.
Tensions remain high due to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages taken. About 55 hostages are still in captivity. Israel’s military response has since killed more than 55,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which claims most of the casualties are women and children, although it does not separate civilians from combatants.
Israel counters that over 20,000 of the dead are Hamas militants, but it has not provided concrete evidence. The resolution does not mention Hamas’ role in igniting the conflict or demand its disarmament—two points the United States argued were essential. Acting U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea warned the assembly that failing to address Hamas' accountability would reward terrorism and undermine regional stability.
The Assembly’s vote reflects growing international urgency to resolve one of the most pressing humanitarian disasters of the decade. A high-level UN meeting is scheduled next week to further push the long-stalled two-state solution, envisioning Gaza as part of a future Palestinian state—an outcome Israel continues to reject.
