UN Assembly backs Gaza ceasefire in landmark vote

The United Nations General Assembly has voted overwhelmingly for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, with 158 nations supporting the resolution.

The vote marks an escalation in diplomatic language from previous calls for humanitarian truces in October and December 2023.

In a separate vote, 159 nations supported UNRWA, the UN Palestinian relief agency, opposing Israel’s planned ban on its operations from late January. Both resolutions faced opposition from the United States, Israel and seven other countries.

Deputy U.S. Ambassador Robert Wood criticised the resolutions, arguing they “reward Hamas and downplay the hostage issue” whilst failing to provide concrete humanitarian solutions. Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon accused the UN of “vilifying Israel”, whilst Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour described Gaza as “an open, painful wound”.

UNRWA’s role has come under scrutiny after allegations that nine staff members participated in the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. The agency, established in 1949, serves millions of Palestinians across Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan.

Slovenia’s Ambassador Samuel Zbogar highlighted Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, calling for an immediate ceasefire and hostage release. Palestinian health authorities report over 44,800 casualties in Gaza since the conflict began, whilst Israeli figures show 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages taken in the October 7 attack.