Last week, the United States blocked a UN Security Council resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire in war-torn Gaza.
In its resolution, the UN General Assembly gathered on Tuesday demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. 153 member countries voted in favor of the resolution. The United States, Israel and eight other countries voted against the resolution. A total of 23 countries abstained.
The resolution received more votes than the resolution held as a general assembly on October 27, when 120 countries supported an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
The resolutions of the General Assembly are not binding, but they reflect the international state of will.
The United States stalled in the Security Council last week
Last week, the United States blocked a UN Security Council resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire in war-torn Gaza.
US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said before Tuesday’s vote that there were things in the resolution that the country supports. However, according to him, the clause would be dangerous for Israel and the Palestinians.
– Any ceasefire right now would be temporary at best and dangerous at worst – dangerous for Israelis who would be subject to continued attacks, but also dangerous for Palestinians who deserve a chance to build a better future for themselves free from Hamas.
The US wanted to amend the resolution by adding a mention of condemning the terrorist attack by Hamas. However, the addition did not get the required number of votes.
The approved resolution also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and the observance of international law by both parties to the war, especially with regard to the protection of civilians.
Source: Reuters, AP