The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution calling for an immediate and lasting humanitarian truce in Gaza, where Israel and Hamas have been engaged in a deadly conflict since October 7. The resolution, drafted by Jordan and supported by 120 countries, including Nigeria, also demands the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers and providing essential supplies and services to the besieged enclave.
The resolution is the first formal response of the UN to the crisis after the Security Council failed to agree on any action due to the vetoes of the US and Russia. The resolution is not legally binding but reflects the majority view of the international community and puts pressure on both parties to end the violence.
The resolution also reaffirms the two-state solution as the only viable way to achieve a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. It calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all civilians being held captive by either side and condemns all acts of terrorism and indiscriminate attacks.
The resolution was opposed by 14 countries, including Israel and the US, which accused it of being biased and one-sided. Israel’s UN ambassador, Gilad Erdan, said the resolution was a “day of infamy” and that it did not mention Hamas once, as if the war started on its own. He said Israel had no choice but to defend itself from Hamas’ rockets and tunnels and vowed to continue its military operation until it achieved its goals.
Hamas, the Islamist group that controls Gaza, also rejected the resolution, saying it did not address the root causes of the conflict or the rights of the Palestinians. Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said the resolution was a “cover for Israel’s crimes” and that it ignored the Israeli blockade, occupation, and aggression against Gaza. He said Hamas would not stop fighting until it achieved its demands, including lifting the siege and releasing Palestinian prisoners.
The resolution came as Israel intensified its bombardment of Gaza, targeting what it said were Hamas’ underground infrastructure and rocket launchers. According to Gaza’s health ministry, more than 2,000 people have been killed and over 10,000 injured since the start of the hostilities. Israel says it has killed hundreds of militants and destroyed thousands of rockets. It also says 12 people have been killed and over 300 injured by Hamas’ rockets on its territory.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated sharply, with shortages of food, water, fuel, and medicine. The UN says more than half a million people have been displaced, and many are sheltering in UN-run schools. The UN also says it has faced difficulties in delivering aid to Gaza due to Israeli restrictions and security risks.
The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire and urged both sides to respect international humanitarian law and human rights. He has also appointed a special envoy to facilitate dialogue between Israel and Hamas, with the help of Egypt, Qatar, and other regional actors. He has expressed his hope that a political solution can be reached soon to end the cycle of violence and address the underlying grievances of both sides.
Source: Business Day NG
