Hamas welcomed the UN General Assembly's call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. Izzat Al-Rishq, a member of the Hamas Political Bureau, urged the international community to pressure what he termed "occupying forces" and comply with the UN decision. He condemned the perceived "war of genocide and ethnic cleansing" against Palestinians. The resolution, backed by Egypt and Mauritania, garnered 153 votes, with 10 against and 23 abstentions. It demanded hostage release, international obligation compliance, and humanitarian access. The UNGA lacks enforcement powers, and the symbolic resolution underscores shifting attitudes toward Israel. In contrast, the US vetoed a Security Council ceasefire resolution last week, while Russia and China vetoed others. A four-day humanitarian pause, extended for three days, was agreed upon by warring parties on November 24. Over 18,400 people have died in Gaza since October 7.
Key Points
1. Hamas welcomed the UN General Assembly's call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza war, as stated by Izzat Al-Rishq, a member of the Hamas Political Bureau.
2. Al-Rishq urged the international community to sustain pressure on what he referred to as the occupying forces and emphasized compliance with the UN decision while condemning what he termed a "war of genocide and ethnic cleansing" against the Palestinian people.
3. The resolution, presented by Egypt and Mauritania with numerous co-sponsors, was adopted with 153 votes, 10 votes against, and 23 abstentions.
4. The resolution demanded the release of hostages and called for compliance with international obligations, especially regarding the protection of civilians and ensuring humanitarian access for relief to Gaza.
5. It's important to note that the resolution is symbolic, lacking enforcement powers as the UN General Assembly does not possess such authority, unlike the Security Council.
6. The UN has warned of a breakdown in the humanitarian system in Gaza, with a majority of its 2.2 million residents displaced, facing hunger and disease.
7. Compared to an earlier resolution on October 27, the recent resolution on Tuesday saw an increase in votes in favor from 121 to 153, a decrease in votes against from 14 to 10, and a decrease in abstentions from 44 to 23.
8. Last week, the United States vetoed a Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire, marking the second time it has done so. Russia and China also vetoed resolutions, but the Council passed one for a humanitarian pause after Russia, the US, and Britain abstained.
9. On November 24, warring parties agreed to a four-day humanitarian pause, extended for three more days, allowing for relief supplies to reach Gaza and the release of hostages.
10. The conflict has resulted in over 18,400 deaths from Israeli bombings in Gaza since October 7, following an incident where Hamas breached Israel's heavily guarded perimeter, leading to the killing of 1,200 people.
(With Agency Inputs)
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