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On December 11, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a
resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in the
Gaza Strip, as well as the release of all hostages. The resolution passed with
overwhelming support: 158 member states voted in favor, nine opposed—including
the United States and Israel—and 13 abstained.
This decisive action by the UNGA followed a U.S. veto in the Security Council on
November 20, 2024, which blocked a similar resolution calling for a ceasefire in
Gaza. The U.S. justified its veto by stating that the resolution did not
adequately address the immediate release of hostages taken by Hamas during the
October 7, 2023, attacks.
The General Assembly's resolution calls for a ceasefire and emphasizes the
necessity of unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza. It focuses on providing
essential services and aid to civilians affected by the ongoing conflict.
Additionally, the resolution reaffirms the U.N.'s commitment to a two-state
solution, urging both parties to respect international law and protect civilian
lives.
In a related move, the UNGA adopted a second resolution supporting the United
Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
This resolution, which received 159 votes in favor, nine against, and 11
abstentions, calls on Israel to respect UNRWA's mandate and allow its operations
to proceed without interference. This resolution comes in response to recent
Israeli legislation aimed at banning UNRWA's activities within its territories.
The United States' opposition to these resolutions reflects its longstanding
alliance with Israel and its strategic interests in the region and also draws in
more criticism of this stance. However, the overwhelming support for the UNGA
resolutions indicates a significant global consensus on the need for an
immediate ceasefire and humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
ES-10/L.32 PDF (United Nations, 12-5-24)
ES-10/L.33 PDF (United Nations, 12-5-24)
General Assembly Adopts Resolutions Demanding Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza, Israel to Allow UN Palestine Refugee Agency to Carry Out Aid Operations Unrestricted (United Nations, 12-11-24)
After Another US Security Council Veto, UN General Assembly Votes for Gaza Cease-Fire (Common Dreams, 12-11-24)
UNGA demands permanent ceasefire in Gaza: How did your country vote? (Al Jazeera,12-12-24)
UN General Assembly demands ‘immediate’ ceasefire in Gaza, supports UNRWA (Al Jazeera,12-12-24)