UN votes overwhelmingly to demand Gaza ceasefire
The United Nations General Assembly has overwhelmingly demanded an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in the war in Gaza and aid access, after the United States vetoed a similar effort in the Security Council last week.
The 193-member General Assembly adopted a resolution that also demands the release of hostages held in Gaza by Hamas, the return of Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
The text garnered 149 votes in favour on Thursday, while 19 countries abstained and the US, Israel and 10 others voted against.
The resolution "strongly condemns the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare and the unlawful denial of humanitarian access and depriving civilians ... of objects indispensable to their survival, including willfully impeding relief supply and access."
Israel's UN ambassador, Danny Danon, told the General Assembly this was "blood libel".
He had urged countries not to take part in what he said was a "farce" that undermines hostage negotiations and fails to condemn Hamas.
"It must be acknowledged that by failing to condition a ceasefire on the release of the hostages, you told every terrorist organisation that abducting civilians works," he said.
General Assembly resolutions are not binding but carry weight as a reflection of the global view on the war.
Previous demands by the body for an end to the war between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas have been ignored.
Unlike the UN Security Council, no country has a veto in the General Assembly.
Libya's UN ambassador Taher El-Sonni told the General Assembly before the vote that for "those pressing the red button today to vote against this resolution (it) will become a blood stain on their fingers".
The US last week vetoed a draft UN Security Council resolution that also demanded an "immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire" and unhindered aid access in Gaza, arguing it would undermine US-led efforts to broker a ceasefire.
The other 14 member states voted in favour of the draft as a humanitarian crisis grips the enclave of more than two million people, where the UN warns famine looms and aid has only trickled in since Israel lifted an 11-week blockade in May.
The vote came before a UN conference next week that aims to reinvigorate an international push for a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians - a meeting the US is urging countries not to attend.
The war in Gaza has raged since 2023 after Hamas militants killed 1200 people in Israel in an October 7 attack and took some 250 hostages back to the enclave, according to Israeli tallies.
Many of those killed or captured were civilians.
Israel responded with a military campaign that has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.
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World leaders have reacted to Israel's large-scale strike on Iranian targets, with the UN secretary-general urging both sides to show maximum restraint. BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER: "We are at a decisive moment in Israel's history. "Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat." AYATOLLAH ALI KHAMENEI, IRAN'S SUPREME LEADER: "The Zionist regime has committed a crime in our dear country today at dawn with its satanic, bloodstained hands. "That regime should anticipate a severe punishment. By God's grace, the powerful arm of the Islamic Republic's Armed Forces won't let them go unpunished." "With this crime, the Zionist regime has prepared for itself a bitter, painful fate, which it will definitely see." MARCO RUBIO, US SECRETARY OF STATE: "Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. 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FRIEDRICH MERZ, GERMAN CHANCELLOR: "We call on both sides to refrain from steps that could lead to further escalation and destabilise the entire region." JEAN-NOEL BARROT, FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER: "We call on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any escalation that could compromise regional stability. "We have repeatedly expressed our serious concerns regarding Iran's nuclear programme, notably in the resolution recently adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). We reaffirm Israel's right to defend itself against any attack." LIN JIAN, CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON: "China opposes the violation of Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, opposes the intensification of contradictions, the expansion of conflicts, and the sudden rise in temperature of the regional situation. "China calls on all parties concerned to do more things that promote regional peace and stability and avoid further escalation of the tense situation. China is willing to play a constructive role in easing the situation." TURKEY Said Israel's provocation shows it "does not want issues to be resolved through diplomatic means" and urged it to halt "aggressive actions that could lead to greater conflicts". KEIR STARMER, UK PRIME MINISTER: "Escalation serves no one in the region. Stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate. Now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy." PENNY WONG, AUSTRALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER: "This risks further destabilising a region that is already volatile. We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that will further exacerbate tensions. "We all understand the threat of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program represents a threat to international peace and security, and we urge the parties to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy." TAKESHI IWAYA, JAPAN FOREIGN MINISTER: "Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, including talks between the United States and Iran, to achieve a peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue, the use of military force is deeply regrettable. "The government strongly condemns this action, which escalates the situation." JAN LIPAVSKY, CZECH FOREIGN MINISTER: "Iran has long failed to meet its obligations to the international community, and is building up its nuclear programme. But at the same time, it has rhetoric that is aimed at destroying the state in Israel. We've seen that twice it has conducted a large-scale state ballistic and drone attack in the last year-and-a-half against Israel along with Hamas and Hezbollah, and it seeks to destroy the state of Israel. "So I have a great deal of understanding for... military action to deter the production of a nuclear bomb in the region." SAUDI ARABIA: "Saudi Arabia expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Israeli aggressions against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran, which undermine its sovereignty and security and constitute a clear violation of international laws and norms." World leaders have reacted to Israel's large-scale strike on Iranian targets, with the UN secretary-general urging both sides to show maximum restraint. BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER: "We are at a decisive moment in Israel's history. "Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat." AYATOLLAH ALI KHAMENEI, IRAN'S SUPREME LEADER: "The Zionist regime has committed a crime in our dear country today at dawn with its satanic, bloodstained hands. "That regime should anticipate a severe punishment. By God's grace, the powerful arm of the Islamic Republic's Armed Forces won't let them go unpunished." "With this crime, the Zionist regime has prepared for itself a bitter, painful fate, which it will definitely see." MARCO RUBIO, US SECRETARY OF STATE: "Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. "Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel." SPOKESPERSON FOR UN SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES: "The Secretary-General condemns any military escalation in the Middle East. He is particularly concerned by Israeli attacks on nuclear installations in Iran while talks between Iran and the United States on the status of Iran's nuclear programme are underway. "The Secretary-General asks both sides to show maximum restraint, avoiding at all costs a descent into deeper conflict, a situation that the region can hardly afford." OMAN, WHICH IS MEDIATING IRAN-US NUCLEAR TALKS: "Oman considers this act a dangerous, reckless escalation, representing a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter, the principles of international law. Such aggressive, persistent behaviour is unacceptable and further destabilizes the regional peace and security." "The Sultanate of Oman holds Israel responsible for this escalation and its consequences, and calls upon the international community to adopt a firm and unequivocal stance to halt this dangerous course of action." MARK RUTTE, NATO SECRETARY-GENERAL: "This was a unilateral action by Israel. So I think it is crucial for many allies, including the United States, to work as we speak to de-escalate." RAFAEL GROSSI, HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY: "I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation. I reiterate that any military action that jeopardises the safety and security of nuclear facilities risks grave consequences for the people of Iran, the region, and beyond. "I have indicated to the respective authorities my readiness to travel at the earliest to assess the situation and ensure safety, security and non-proliferation in Iran." FRIEDRICH MERZ, GERMAN CHANCELLOR: "We call on both sides to refrain from steps that could lead to further escalation and destabilise the entire region." JEAN-NOEL BARROT, FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER: "We call on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any escalation that could compromise regional stability. "We have repeatedly expressed our serious concerns regarding Iran's nuclear programme, notably in the resolution recently adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). We reaffirm Israel's right to defend itself against any attack." LIN JIAN, CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON: "China opposes the violation of Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, opposes the intensification of contradictions, the expansion of conflicts, and the sudden rise in temperature of the regional situation. "China calls on all parties concerned to do more things that promote regional peace and stability and avoid further escalation of the tense situation. China is willing to play a constructive role in easing the situation." TURKEY Said Israel's provocation shows it "does not want issues to be resolved through diplomatic means" and urged it to halt "aggressive actions that could lead to greater conflicts". KEIR STARMER, UK PRIME MINISTER: "Escalation serves no one in the region. Stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate. Now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy." PENNY WONG, AUSTRALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER: "This risks further destabilising a region that is already volatile. We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that will further exacerbate tensions. "We all understand the threat of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program represents a threat to international peace and security, and we urge the parties to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy." TAKESHI IWAYA, JAPAN FOREIGN MINISTER: "Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, including talks between the United States and Iran, to achieve a peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue, the use of military force is deeply regrettable. "The government strongly condemns this action, which escalates the situation." JAN LIPAVSKY, CZECH FOREIGN MINISTER: "Iran has long failed to meet its obligations to the international community, and is building up its nuclear programme. But at the same time, it has rhetoric that is aimed at destroying the state in Israel. We've seen that twice it has conducted a large-scale state ballistic and drone attack in the last year-and-a-half against Israel along with Hamas and Hezbollah, and it seeks to destroy the state of Israel. "So I have a great deal of understanding for... military action to deter the production of a nuclear bomb in the region." SAUDI ARABIA: "Saudi Arabia expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Israeli aggressions against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran, which undermine its sovereignty and security and constitute a clear violation of international laws and norms." World leaders have reacted to Israel's large-scale strike on Iranian targets, with the UN secretary-general urging both sides to show maximum restraint. BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER: "We are at a decisive moment in Israel's history. "Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat." AYATOLLAH ALI KHAMENEI, IRAN'S SUPREME LEADER: "The Zionist regime has committed a crime in our dear country today at dawn with its satanic, bloodstained hands. "That regime should anticipate a severe punishment. By God's grace, the powerful arm of the Islamic Republic's Armed Forces won't let them go unpunished." "With this crime, the Zionist regime has prepared for itself a bitter, painful fate, which it will definitely see." MARCO RUBIO, US SECRETARY OF STATE: "Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. "Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel." SPOKESPERSON FOR UN SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES: "The Secretary-General condemns any military escalation in the Middle East. He is particularly concerned by Israeli attacks on nuclear installations in Iran while talks between Iran and the United States on the status of Iran's nuclear programme are underway. "The Secretary-General asks both sides to show maximum restraint, avoiding at all costs a descent into deeper conflict, a situation that the region can hardly afford." OMAN, WHICH IS MEDIATING IRAN-US NUCLEAR TALKS: "Oman considers this act a dangerous, reckless escalation, representing a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter, the principles of international law. Such aggressive, persistent behaviour is unacceptable and further destabilizes the regional peace and security." "The Sultanate of Oman holds Israel responsible for this escalation and its consequences, and calls upon the international community to adopt a firm and unequivocal stance to halt this dangerous course of action." MARK RUTTE, NATO SECRETARY-GENERAL: "This was a unilateral action by Israel. So I think it is crucial for many allies, including the United States, to work as we speak to de-escalate." RAFAEL GROSSI, HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY: "I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation. I reiterate that any military action that jeopardises the safety and security of nuclear facilities risks grave consequences for the people of Iran, the region, and beyond. "I have indicated to the respective authorities my readiness to travel at the earliest to assess the situation and ensure safety, security and non-proliferation in Iran." FRIEDRICH MERZ, GERMAN CHANCELLOR: "We call on both sides to refrain from steps that could lead to further escalation and destabilise the entire region." JEAN-NOEL BARROT, FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER: "We call on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any escalation that could compromise regional stability. "We have repeatedly expressed our serious concerns regarding Iran's nuclear programme, notably in the resolution recently adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). We reaffirm Israel's right to defend itself against any attack." LIN JIAN, CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON: "China opposes the violation of Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, opposes the intensification of contradictions, the expansion of conflicts, and the sudden rise in temperature of the regional situation. "China calls on all parties concerned to do more things that promote regional peace and stability and avoid further escalation of the tense situation. China is willing to play a constructive role in easing the situation." TURKEY Said Israel's provocation shows it "does not want issues to be resolved through diplomatic means" and urged it to halt "aggressive actions that could lead to greater conflicts". KEIR STARMER, UK PRIME MINISTER: "Escalation serves no one in the region. Stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate. Now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy." PENNY WONG, AUSTRALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER: "This risks further destabilising a region that is already volatile. We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that will further exacerbate tensions. "We all understand the threat of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program represents a threat to international peace and security, and we urge the parties to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy." TAKESHI IWAYA, JAPAN FOREIGN MINISTER: "Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, including talks between the United States and Iran, to achieve a peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue, the use of military force is deeply regrettable. "The government strongly condemns this action, which escalates the situation." JAN LIPAVSKY, CZECH FOREIGN MINISTER: "Iran has long failed to meet its obligations to the international community, and is building up its nuclear programme. But at the same time, it has rhetoric that is aimed at destroying the state in Israel. We've seen that twice it has conducted a large-scale state ballistic and drone attack in the last year-and-a-half against Israel along with Hamas and Hezbollah, and it seeks to destroy the state of Israel. "So I have a great deal of understanding for... military action to deter the production of a nuclear bomb in the region." SAUDI ARABIA: "Saudi Arabia expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Israeli aggressions against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran, which undermine its sovereignty and security and constitute a clear violation of international laws and norms." World leaders have reacted to Israel's large-scale strike on Iranian targets, with the UN secretary-general urging both sides to show maximum restraint. BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER: "We are at a decisive moment in Israel's history. "Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat." AYATOLLAH ALI KHAMENEI, IRAN'S SUPREME LEADER: "The Zionist regime has committed a crime in our dear country today at dawn with its satanic, bloodstained hands. "That regime should anticipate a severe punishment. By God's grace, the powerful arm of the Islamic Republic's Armed Forces won't let them go unpunished." "With this crime, the Zionist regime has prepared for itself a bitter, painful fate, which it will definitely see." MARCO RUBIO, US SECRETARY OF STATE: "Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. "Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel." SPOKESPERSON FOR UN SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES: "The Secretary-General condemns any military escalation in the Middle East. He is particularly concerned by Israeli attacks on nuclear installations in Iran while talks between Iran and the United States on the status of Iran's nuclear programme are underway. "The Secretary-General asks both sides to show maximum restraint, avoiding at all costs a descent into deeper conflict, a situation that the region can hardly afford." OMAN, WHICH IS MEDIATING IRAN-US NUCLEAR TALKS: "Oman considers this act a dangerous, reckless escalation, representing a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter, the principles of international law. Such aggressive, persistent behaviour is unacceptable and further destabilizes the regional peace and security." "The Sultanate of Oman holds Israel responsible for this escalation and its consequences, and calls upon the international community to adopt a firm and unequivocal stance to halt this dangerous course of action." MARK RUTTE, NATO SECRETARY-GENERAL: "This was a unilateral action by Israel. So I think it is crucial for many allies, including the United States, to work as we speak to de-escalate." RAFAEL GROSSI, HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY: "I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation. I reiterate that any military action that jeopardises the safety and security of nuclear facilities risks grave consequences for the people of Iran, the region, and beyond. "I have indicated to the respective authorities my readiness to travel at the earliest to assess the situation and ensure safety, security and non-proliferation in Iran." FRIEDRICH MERZ, GERMAN CHANCELLOR: "We call on both sides to refrain from steps that could lead to further escalation and destabilise the entire region." JEAN-NOEL BARROT, FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER: "We call on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any escalation that could compromise regional stability. "We have repeatedly expressed our serious concerns regarding Iran's nuclear programme, notably in the resolution recently adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). We reaffirm Israel's right to defend itself against any attack." LIN JIAN, CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON: "China opposes the violation of Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, opposes the intensification of contradictions, the expansion of conflicts, and the sudden rise in temperature of the regional situation. "China calls on all parties concerned to do more things that promote regional peace and stability and avoid further escalation of the tense situation. China is willing to play a constructive role in easing the situation." TURKEY Said Israel's provocation shows it "does not want issues to be resolved through diplomatic means" and urged it to halt "aggressive actions that could lead to greater conflicts". KEIR STARMER, UK PRIME MINISTER: "Escalation serves no one in the region. Stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate. Now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy." PENNY WONG, AUSTRALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER: "This risks further destabilising a region that is already volatile. We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that will further exacerbate tensions. "We all understand the threat of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program represents a threat to international peace and security, and we urge the parties to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy." TAKESHI IWAYA, JAPAN FOREIGN MINISTER: "Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, including talks between the United States and Iran, to achieve a peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue, the use of military force is deeply regrettable. "The government strongly condemns this action, which escalates the situation." JAN LIPAVSKY, CZECH FOREIGN MINISTER: "Iran has long failed to meet its obligations to the international community, and is building up its nuclear programme. But at the same time, it has rhetoric that is aimed at destroying the state in Israel. We've seen that twice it has conducted a large-scale state ballistic and drone attack in the last year-and-a-half against Israel along with Hamas and Hezbollah, and it seeks to destroy the state of Israel. "So I have a great deal of understanding for... military action to deter the production of a nuclear bomb in the region." SAUDI ARABIA: "Saudi Arabia expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Israeli aggressions against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran, which undermine its sovereignty and security and constitute a clear violation of international laws and norms."
