New York: The United Nations General Assembly is expected to vote on Thursday on a new resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. This follows the United States' recent veto of a similar measure at the U.N. Security Council.
Diplomats anticipate strong support for the resolution from the 193-member body, despite vigorous Israeli efforts to dissuade countries from participating. Israel has dismissed the initiative as a “politically-motivated, counter-productive charade.”
While General Assembly resolutions are non-binding, they are seen as a barometer of international sentiment. Similar calls by the Assembly in recent months—one in October, another in December—have received broad backing but were ultimately ignored on the ground.
This latest vote takes place just ahead of a U.N. conference aimed at reigniting global momentum for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The United States, which opposes the event, has cautioned that nations taking actions deemed hostile to Israel in connection with the conference could face diplomatic consequences.
Washington vetoed a Security Council resolution last week calling for a permanent ceasefire and unfettered humanitarian access in Gaza. The U.S. contends that such actions could interfere with its ongoing efforts to negotiate a truce.
The draft being considered by the General Assembly includes a call for the release of all hostages held by Hamas, the return of Palestinian detainees held in Israel, and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip. It also calls for unrestricted humanitarian aid and condemns the use of starvation as a weapon of war.
Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon condemned the draft in a letter to U.N. member states, calling it “false and defamatory.” He warned that the resolution undermines hostage negotiations and ignores Hamas's role in initiating the conflict.
Since Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack—which Israel says killed 1,200 people and resulted in 250 hostages—Israel has launched an extensive military campaign in Gaza. Health authorities in Gaza report that more than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed, with civilians making up the vast majority of casualties. Many more remain missing under the rubble.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with the U.N. warning of imminent famine and only limited aid reaching the enclave following the easing of an 11-week blockade last month.
