The Israeli offensive in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of almost 45,000 Palestinians.
A UN General Assembly resolution passed on Wednesday calls for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza to end the 14-month conflict.
The non-binding resolution, adopted 158-9 with 13 abstentions, demands “an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire,” and the “immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.”
This action follows the US veto of a similar Security Council resolution last month. The US argued against a deal not directly linked to the release of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas, a position reiterated during Wednesday’s vote, with Ambassador Robert Wood calling the resolution “shameful and wrong.”
“With Hamas currently isolated due to the Lebanon ceasefire, this Gaza ceasefire resolution risks conveying a dangerous message that negotiation and hostage release are unnecessary,” Wood told the Assembly.
Israel’s envoy, Danny Danon, similarly argued that an unconditional ceasefire would only benefit Hamas. “This vote isn’t about compassion; it’s about complicity,” he stated.
According to Hamas-run authorities in Gaza, nearly 45,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since October 2023. The UN has repeatedly highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, with Middle East peace coordinator Muhannad Hadi stating to the Security Council last month, “as winter approaches, the horror in Gaza continues to grind on with no end in sight.”
Israel maintains that its Gaza operation will continue until all hostages are recovered and threats from Hamas and allied groups are eliminated.
The war began on October 7, 2023, with Hamas’ surprise attack on Israeli cities, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and over 250 abductions. Israeli officials estimate that around 100 hostages remain in captivity.