UN General Assembly adopts resolution calling for Gaza ceasefire
The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution in an emergency meeting calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of all hostages.
The meeting took place on Thursday after the United States vetoed a similar effort at the Security Council last week.
UN General Assembly President Philemon Yang said at the start of the meeting, "Despite the urgency, the Security Council remains once again paralyzed on this issue."
He went on to say, "And once again the General Assembly is called upon to take the lead in addressing the unacceptable and catastrophic situation in Gaza."
The draft resolution was proposed by a total of 50 countries and regions.
It demands an unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups, and the protection of civilians.
It also says the General Assembly "strongly condemns any use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare" and "stresses that an occupying Power is obliged under international law to ensure humanitarian aid reaches all the population in need."
But both Israel and the United States voiced objections. Israel's UN ambassador criticized the resolution for failing to "condition a ceasefire on the release of the hostages." The US ambassador said the text fails to condemn Hamas.
The resolution was adopted with 149 votes in favor, including Japan, while 19 abstained and 12 voted against.
Unlike Security Council resolutions, resolutions adopted at the General Assembly are non-binding.
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