The adoption of the resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the war-torn Gaza Strip by the United General Assembly has been welcomed across the world.
One hundred and 53 member states voted in favour of the resolution, 10 countries, including the United States (US) and Israel, voted against it – while 23 countries abstained.
The meeting, which was called by Egypt and Mauritania’s representatives, convened yesterday after the US vetoed a security council resolution for a ceasefire.
The resolution, among others, demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages seized since the Hamas October 7 attack.
About 1 200 Israelis were killed in that ambush, while the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza says more than 18 400 Palestinians have died in Israel’s bombardment since.
In favour: 153
Against: 10
Abstentions: 23
UN General Assembly adopts resolution on the Middle East demanding a humanitarian ceasefire, the protection of civilians, the immediate, unconditional release of all hostages and humanitarian access. pic.twitter.com/0szWbQQJVb
— United Nations (@UN) December 12, 2023
‘Not enforceable’
International relations expert John Stremlau says even though the resolution by the UN General Assembly is welcome – it is not enforceable.
Stremlau says while this is just a declaration, it was overwhelming to see the high number of countries in the world who believe that the war needs to end in a bid to preserve the lives of civilians.
Speaking to Ynews, Stremlau also pointed out how United States President, Joe Biden, came out and said Israel is starting to lose global support over its bombing of Gaza.
Biden made the comments to donors at a fundraising event on Tuesday, which marked his strongest criticism yet of Israel’s leadership.
The US President had previously offered public support to Israel since Hamas launched its attacks in October.
“Israel’s security can rest on the United States, but right now it has more than the United States. It has the European Union, it has Europe, it has most of the world,” he told donors to his 2024 re-election campaign in Washington.
“But they’re starting to lose that support by indiscriminate bombing that takes place,” he added.
Biden also voiced criticism of Israel’s hardline government and said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needs to alter his approach to the situation.
“I think he has to change, and with this government, this government in Israel is making it very difficult for him to move.”
Joe Biden: “Israel started to lose support worldwide due to heavy bombing of Gaza and its current, most extreme government that is not interested in a two-state solution”
Biden pretends the US isn’t a central part of the destruction of Gaza and the dismemberment of Palestine,… pic.twitter.com/wYZ8DtKXph
— Going Underground (@GUnderground_TV) December 12, 2023
Political analyst, Professor Siphamandla Zondi, says the passing of the resolution by the UN General Assembly demanding a ceasefire in Gaza – is long overdue.
“The resolution….. is confirming that the vast majority of the countries in the world believes that this war should end.”
Researcher at the UJ’s Institute for Pan African Thought and Conversation, Dr Chidochashe Nyere, says he doubts that the resolution will lead to a permanent ceasefire.
He says the resolution, however, shows that it’s time for world powers to suggest long-lasting solutions to this situation.
The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted a resolution on the Middle East demanding a humanitarian ceasefire.
The resolution calls for the protection of civilians, the immediate, unconditional release of all hostages and humanitarian access. https://t.co/DDxlBTU8M6 pic.twitter.com/7Heyq3YnGf
— United Nations (@UN) December 13, 2023
Written by: Nonhlanhla Harris
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