UNGA adopts two draft resolutions for ceasefire in Gaza, backs UNRWA
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While Security Council resolutions are legally binding, General Assembly resolutions are not, despite representing global opinion.
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Palestinian girls struggle to reach for food at a distribution center in Khan Younis on December 6, 2024. (AP)
The United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly endorsed resolutions Wednesday calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and supporting the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), which "Israel" has sought to abolish.
The votes in the 193-nation world organization were 158-9, with 13 abstentions, to urge an immediate ceasefire, and 159-9, with 11 abstentions, in favor of the UNRWA agency. The voting followed two days of speeches that overwhelmingly called for an end to "Israel's" war on Gaza.
"Israel" and the US voted against the resolutions.
While Security Council resolutions are legally binding, General Assembly resolutions are not, despite representing global opinion. There are no vetoes in this parliament.
#BREAKING
— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) December 11, 2024
UN General Assembly ADOPTS resolution A/ES-10/L.33 demanding an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza as well as the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages
VOTE:
In favor: 158
Against: 9
Abstain: 13 pic.twitter.com/ijOnemfKL7
The resolution urges "an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire" and also calls for "the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages."
Although non-binding, the resolution further demands "immediate access" to extensive humanitarian aid for Gaza's population, particularly in the heavily blockaded northern region.
In this context, it is worth noting that the United States previously vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza amid the ongoing Israeli war on the Strip, accusing other council members of cynically dismissing efforts to find a compromise.
The November veto marked the fourth of its kind, exploited by the US against several UNSC ceasefire resolutions for Gaza.
The resolution that was approved on Wednesday urges the Israeli government "to abide by its international obligations, respect the privileges and immunities of UNRWA and uphold its responsibility to allow and facilitate full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance in all its forms into and throughout the entire Gaza Strip."
At the start of the assembly discussion last Wednesday, Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour accused "Israel" of mass massacres, displacements, damage, and malnutrition, calling it "a cruel war of atrocities against an entire civilian population."
Over 9,900 Israeli occupation massacres
The Government Media Office in Gaza issued a report revealing that "Israel" has committed 9,905 massacres in the Gaza Strip, including 7,160 attacks on Palestinian families, according to key statistics on the ongoing genocide since October 7, 2023.
The report highlights that 1,410 Palestinian families were completely wiped out, with the death of all family members, including parents and children, leaving 5,444 martyrs from these families alone, as reported by the Ministry of Health. The office further stated that the total number of martyrs and missing persons has reached 55,758, including 17,712 children and 12,136 women.
In addition, 3,500 children are at risk of death due to malnutrition, 12,650 injured individuals require treatment abroad, and 12,500 cancer patients are facing life-threatening conditions without access to necessary care.
The report also detailed the impact on medical personnel, with 1,059 medical workers and 88 civil defense members martyred.
"Israel" has set up seven mass graves within hospitals, from which 520 martyrs were recovered.
The destruction caused by the occupation extends to 212 shelters and displacement centers, 211 government offices, and 160,500 homes, which were completely demolished after 87,000 tons of explosives were dropped on the Strip.
