Admin I Monday, Oct.27, 2023
NEW YORK- The General Assembly of the United Nations today adopted a non-binding resolution calling for an “immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce” between Israeli forces and Hamas militants in Gaza.
The resolution also demands “continuous, sufficient and unhindered” provision of lifesaving supplies and services for civilians trapped inside the enclave, as news reports suggest Israel has expanded ground operations and intensified it bombing campaign.
The emergency session saw the adoption of a non-binding Jordanian resolution on Friday afternoon in New York by a large majority of Member States, with 120 votes in favour, 14 against and 45 abstentions.
It marks the first formal response of the United Nations to the escalation of violence in Israel and Palestine since the Hamas terror attacks of 7 October, after the Security Council failed on four occasions to reach consensus on any action.
Assembly adopted a major resolution, calling for an “immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities”; it was proposed by Jordan and backed by over 45 Member States
An amendment, proposed by Canada and backed by over 35 Member States, including the US, seeking an explicit condemnation of Hamas, did not pass, failing to get two-thirds support
Countries put forward arguments for and against the amendment, and explained their positions on the adopted resolution
Ghana’s Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative Carolyn Oppong-Ntir, said her delegation voted in favour of the resolution because, among other reasons, the humanitarian crisis could not be ignored.
“We have a responsibility as an international community to help end the heart-breaking tragedies” in Israel and Palestine, she said. “Out of this tragedy, we must find the fierce agency to support the two parties to resume and conclude a peace agreement” and advance the two-State solution.
India’s Deputy Permanent Representative Ambassador Yojna Patel said the 7 October terror attacks are shocking, calling for the immediate release of the hostages.
Casualties in Gaza are a continuing concern and the crisis needs to be addressed, she said.
India abstained in the resolution vote.
Welcoming ongoing efforts and reiterating support for the two-State solution,
Earlier in the day, several countries took the floor, reiterating the impact of the crisis on civilians and underscoring the imperative to ensure aid finally flows into the enclave as supplies of food, water and fuel reach critically low levels
The US declared that after the current crisis is over, “there is no going back to the status quo, as it stood on 6 October”, noting the importance of a two-State solution.
Gilad Erdan, Ambassador of Israel to the UN, said in response to the resolution passing that “today is a day that will go down in infamy”.
“We have all witnessed that the UN holds not even one ounce of legitimacy,” he said. “The UN is committed to ensuring further atrocity.
According to the family of nations, Israel has no right to defend itself.”
“There are no talks or discussions to be held with Hamas, he said, adding that Israel will not sit idly by to let them commit atrocities again. The resolution does not mention Hamas once, as if the war started on its own.
“What is going on here?” he asked, questioning whether the goal was to tie Israel’s hands. “The only way to destroy Hamas is to root them out. Why are you not holding Hamas accountable?”
“We know there is no humanitarian crisis in accordance with international humanitarian law,” he said, noting that every statistic comes from Hamas about information about Gaza.
Anyone interested in preventing violence should call on Hamas to lay down their arms, turn themselves in and return all hostages, he said.
“If this were to happen, the war would end immediately,” he said. “This is a dark day for the UN and mankind. Israel will defend itself and will do what must be done to eradicate Hamas’ capabilities and bring the hostages home
Jordan’s ambassador Mahmoud Daifallah Hmoud spoke ahead of the voting, saying that the “urgent need for an immediate ceasefire cannot be overstated.
He said that the immeasurable suffering of the Palestinian people was destined to leave a lasting mark on generations to come.
He said that delegates were “witnessing a ground invasion by Israel as we speak” and failure four times by the Security Council to reach any consensus for action.
He said the was a “simple yet vital goal” of their resolution “that aligns with the very purpose for which the UN was established, peace and compliance with international law.”
Permanent Representative of Türkiye to the United Nations, Sedat Önal said that with a paralyzed Security Council, it is up to the General Assembly to rise to the occasion.
Based on principle, Türkiye co-authored the resolution introduced today, which contains the minimum of what is needed to put an end to the carnage and ease tensions on the ground.
