In a major action in an Emergency Special Session, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution on Thursday calling for an immediate and permanent Gaza ceasefire and major-scale, unobstructed humanitarian access.
The resolution demands "an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire, to be observed by all sides," and forcefully condemns the weaponization of hunger and deliberate blocking of humanitarian assistance. It highlights the necessity that Gazan civilians not be deprived of necessary sustenance for survival and access to relief efforts, according to Xinhua.
It also reaffirms that occupying powers have an obligation under international law to deliver aid to all civilians in need. The resolution clearly calls for the immediate halt of Israel, recognized as the occupying power, to its blockade, the opening of all border crossings, and the provision of the delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale across the Gaza Strip.
Highlighting the call for responsibility, the resolution urges UN member states to act individually and collectively to make sure that Israel abides by its international legal obligations.
Reaffirming its commitment to a two-state solution with Gaza as part of a future Palestinian state, the resolution strongly opposes any efforts to change Gaza's population or borders, that of the West Bank, or East Jerusalem. The resolution also condemns any steps likely to erode the long-standing status of religious sites in Jerusalem.
In addition, the resolution unequivocally spurns any attempts at forcibly transferring Palestinians or illegitimately annexing Palestinian territory, and demands their cessation in an immediate and complete manner.
It calls for an end to all activities pertaining to settlements such as new building, expansion, land taking, demolition of homes, forced evictions, and settler violence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
In order to facilitate long-term peace efforts, the resolution insists on the unity of Gaza and the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority and safeguarding the territorial contiguity of the occupied Palestinian territories.
The initiative also reiterates the UN's continuing role in the settlement of the Palestine question in conformity with international law and previous UN resolutions.
Also, it calls upon all nations to respect the privileges and immunities of UN staff and associated agencies and not to interfere in their duties in any way.
The resolution also reiterates the safeguarding of humanitarian and medical staff, their transportation and equipment, hospitals, and other medical structures under all conditions.
The vote was overwhelming in favor, with 149 nations supporting the resolution. Twelve countries voted against it, including the United States and Israel, and 19 abstained. Other nations that voted against it were Argentina, Hungary, Paraguay, Fiji, Micronesia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu.
The current 10th Emergency Special Session, originally convened in April 1997 following Israeli activities in the occupied territories, was reconvened at the behest of the Arab Group and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
The session came after the recent U.S. veto of a Security Council resolution that had demanded an immediate ceasefire and removal of all humanitarian access restrictions in Gaza.
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