The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has voted overwhelmingly in favour of a resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, with 153 countries voting in favour, 23 abstaining, and 10 voting against, including Israel and the United States. The non-binding resolution serves as an indicator of global opinion and comes as international pressure builds on Israel to end its months-long assault on Gaza. The resolution was passed in response to relentless air strikes and an Israeli siege that have created humanitarian conditions in Gaza, leading to severe restrictions on food, fuel, water, and electricity.
The vote comes after a failed resolution in the UN Security Council (UNSC) earlier in the week, which was vetoed by the US, casting the sole dissenting vote. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has invoked Article 99 of the UN Charter, warning against serious threats to international peace, and the US and Austria introduced amendments to the UNGA resolution, both of which failed to pass. The resolution was seen as balanced and neutral, calling for the protection of civilians on both sides and the release of all captives. Israel’s envoy criticised the UN for calling for a ceasefire and the US has found itself increasingly at odds with international opinion as it continues to support Israel’s military campaign.
US President Joe Biden has sharpened his criticism of Israel, stating that the country is losing international support due to “indiscriminate bombing” in Gaza. The US has been accused of employing a double standard on human rights as it condemns similar actions by Russia in Ukraine. With the US finding itself increasingly isolated from international opinion, the credibility of the United Nations has been called into question.
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