From the Liveblog of
Friday, October 27, 2023
UN resolution calling for immediate Gaza ceasefire passes with overwhelming majority
Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
A resolution calling for a Gaza ceasefire, which makes no mention of the Hamas terror group, has overwhelmingly passed the United Nations General Assembly.
One-hundred and twenty countries voted in favor of the non-binding resolution introduced by Jordan, while just 14 voted against, including the United States, Austria, Croatia, Czechia, Fiji, Guatemala, Hungary, Israel, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Gineau, Paraguay and Tonga.
Forty-five countries abstained, including Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, Greece, India, Iraq, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, South Korea, Sweden, Tunisia, Ukraine and the UK.
The resolution calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all civilians, the protection of civilians and international institutions, and ensuring the safe passage of humanitarian aid into the Strip.
The initiative is completely symbolic but highlights the overwhelming international support for the Palestinians amid Israel’s military campaign following the October 7 Hamas onslaught.
Canada sought to have an amendment added to the resolution to include a condemnation of Hamas, and a majority of members backed the proposal, but it fell short of the two-thirds majority needed in order to be adopted.
USA was one of just 14 countries to vote against a General Assembly Resolution calling for “an immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities.” pic.twitter.com/mowPZhbk8C
— Mark Leon Goldberg (@MarkLGoldberg) October 27, 2023
The Times of Israel Community.