HAMILTON (BERNAMA-AA): The United Nations General Assembly has overwhelmingly adopted a resolution demanding an "immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire" in Gaza, as well as the release of all hostages held in the conflict, according to a report by Anadolu Agency.
The resolution, which calls for immediate humanitarian access, was adopted with 158 votes in favour, nine against and 13 abstentions.
Proposed by the Palestinian mission to the UN, it demands instant access to essential services and humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza.
Explicitly rejecting any actions intended to starve Palestinians, the resolution appeals for the unhindered delivery of assistance to all areas, including the besieged northern Gaza, where urgent relief is crucial.
The resolution underscores the obligations of all parties under international humanitarian law, particularly highlighting the protection of civilians, including women, children and those unable to fight.
It also demands all parties to comply with “international law in relation to persons they detain, including by releasing all those arbitrarily detained and all human remains.”
The importance of accountability mechanisms for violations is emphasised, with a request for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to propose ways to advance accountability.
Depicting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) as "the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza," it demands respect for its operations "with full respect for the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence."
With the adopted resolution, the General Assembly has reaffirmed its commitment to a two-state solution, calling for the unification of Gaza and the occupied West Bank under the Palestinian Authority and rejecting any attempts at demographic or territorial changes in Gaza.
The resolution further "demands that the parties fully, unconditionally, and without delay implement all the provisions of Security Council Resolution 2735 (2024) regarding an immediate ceasefire."
It also requests Guterres to report to the General Assembly within 60 days of the resolution's adoption on its implementation – Bernama-AA
