U.N. General Assembly Passes Resolutions on Gaza and UNRWA

The United Nations General Assembly has voted overwhelmingly in favor of two resolutions addressing the ongoing conflict in Gaza. With a vote of 158-9, and 13 abstentions, the assembly called for an immediate ceasefire, echoing the failed Security Council resolution vetoed by the U.S. in November. A second resolution, also approved by 159-9 with 11 abstentions, supports the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which Israel plans to ban.

The resolutions highlight the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, demanding unrestricted aid access and reaffirming the necessity of UNRWA’s operations, which Israel disputes due to alleged Hamas connections within the agency. While the resolutions hold no binding power, they reflect strong global support for the Palestinian cause, as articulated by the Palestinian Ambassador to the U.N., Riyad Mansour.

The U.S., Israel, and a few other nations opposed the resolutions, emphasizing the need for Hamas to release hostages before any ceasefire could be enacted. The vote was notably the first to include support from Germany and Italy, marking a shift from their previous abstention.