The UN General Assembly demanded a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, affirming its ‘full support’ for UNRWA
The actions that had been taken in the Council were resumed 10th special emergency sessionafter the failure of Security Council passed a resolution demanding a ceasefire and the release of all hostages.
Despite winning 14 votes in favor, the document put forward by the 10 elected members of the Council was not adopted due to the veto of the permanent member of the United States.
Click here for information about the start of last week’s session And Click here for a recap of Wednesday’s live coverage.
Request a ceasefire
When passing the resolution entitled “Request for a ceasefire in Gaza” (A/ES-10/L.33), The 193-member Council also requires all parties to “fully comply with international law,” including international humanitarian law, especially with regard to the protection of civilians and civil infrastructure the.
That resolution is Monday explicit request for a ceasefire by the Council at the resumed special session, since the outbreak of war in Gaza on 7 October 2023.
It was passed with 158 countries in favor and 9 countries against, with 13 abstentions.
There are some notable changes in how countries vote compared to the previous resolution.
Those who voted in favor on Wednesday, abstained or opposed previous resolutionthey are: Austria, Bulgaria, Cabo Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Germany, Guatemala, Italy, Liberia, Marshall Islands, Netherlands, Romania, United Kingdom and Uruguay.
Albania and Fiji abstained from voting on Wednesday, having given their support resolution last year. Micronesia also abstained because it opposed the previous resolution.
The following Members opposed the text on Wednesday, having abstained in the previous vote: Argentina, Hungary, Tonga.
Other votes against were the Czech Republic, Israel, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay and the United States. These member states also voted against this resolution last year.
Free the hostages
The resolution continues to request the parties to “fully, unconditionally and without delay” implement all regulations belong to Security Council Resolution 2735regarding an immediate ceasefire, release of hostages, exchange of Palestinian prisoners, return of hostage remains; the return of Palestinian civilians to their homes and neighborhoods in all areas of Gaza, including in the north; and the withdrawal of all Israeli forces from Gaza.
Need accountability
The General Assembly also emphasized the need for accountability, asking the Secretary-General to propose how the United Nations could “help enhance accountability” through existing or new mechanisms.
The resolution asks the United Nations chief to submit a comprehensive report, including a needs assessment for Gaza, and reiterates the country’s “firm commitment to the vision of a two-state solution ”, in which the Gaza Strip is part of the State of Palestine.
“About this matter [the Assembly] Rejects any attempt to change the demographics or territory of the Gaza Strip, including any action to reduce the territory of the Gaza Strip, and emphasizes the importance of reunifying the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under of the Palestinian Authority,” the resolution noted.
Results of the General Assembly’s vote on draft resolution A/ES-10/L.32 “Supporting the mandate of the Uations Relief and Employment Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East”.
Full support for UNRWA
In the second resolution passed on Wednesday (A/ES-10/L.32), the General Assembly affirmed its “full support” for UNRWAwhich is under constant pressure from Israel.
It “deplores” the law passed by the Israeli Knesset on October 28, 2024, which – if implemented – would effectively prevent UNRWA from carrying out its mandate in the Occupied Palestinian Territory close.
The resolution was adopted with 159 member states supporting and 9 opposing (Argentina, Israel, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Tonga and the United States), of which 11 member states abstain.
Respect UNRWA’s mandate
The General Assembly called on the Government of Israel “to comply with its international obligations, to respect the privileges and immunities of the Authority, and to uphold its responsibility to authorize and facilitate assistance full, fast, safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance in all forms within and throughout the entire territory. Gaza Strip, including providing essential basic services to civilians.”
“[The Assembly] strongly warns against any attempt to dismantle or reduce the activities and tasks of the Agency, recognizing that any interruption or suspension of the work of the Agency would have dire consequences for the millions of Palestinian refugees who depend on the services of the Agency and also have implications for the region,” the resolution stated.
Implement recommendations
The Council also called on UNRWA to fully implement the recommendations set out in the independent assessment report conducted by former French foreign minister Catherine Colonna.
It was also noted Report of the UNRWA funding working groupcalled for “immediate efforts” to resolve the financial and operational crises affecting the Agency.
