The United Nations General Assembly passed on Friday (October 27) a non-binding resolution, with overwhelming support, calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas. The resolution also urged access for humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza Strip and the protection of civilians.
The vote passed with 120 countries in favour, 45 abstentions, and 14, including Israel and the United States, voting against it.
The move came after the UN Security Council failed to take action in the preceding weeks. The resolution drafted by Arab states carries political weight as it takes the global temperature while Israel steps up ground operations in Gaza. A Canadian-led bid to amend the resolution to include a rejection and condemnation of the “terrorist attacks by Hamas and the taking of hostages” failed to get the two thirds majority needed.
(Inputs from Reuters)