UN Voting on Ceasefire in Gaza Announced

• The UN General Assembly plans to vote on an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and humanitarian aid.
• The resolution, prepared by Spain, condemns the use of starving civilians as a method of warfare.
• Israel's military campaign has resulted in numerous casualties among Palestinians, including women and children.

This was reported by Associated Press, The Independent.

UN Vote on Ceasefire in Gaza

The UN General Assembly is set to hold a vote on Thursday regarding a resolution that demands an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and the opening of all Israeli border crossings for the delivery of essential food and aid.

The resolution, prepared by Spain, "strongly condemns the use of starving civilians as a method of warfare." Experts and human rights advocates report that hunger is widespread in Gaza, and about 2 million Palestinians are at risk of starvation if Israel does not lift the blockade and cease its military campaign, which resumed in March after a truce with Hamas ended.

Last week, the UN Security Council failed to pass a resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and the lifting of all restrictions on aid delivery. The United States vetoed this resolution as it was not linked to the release of hostages, while all 14 other council members voted in favor.

In the General Assembly, which consists of 193 members, there is no veto, so the resolution is expected to pass by a majority vote. However, unlike the Security Council, Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, although they are seen as an indicator of world opinion.

After a 10-week blockade that prohibited all aid to Gaza, Israel is allowing the UN to deliver a small amount of food and is supporting a newly established U.S. aid group that has opened several points in central and southern Gaza for food package deliveries.

However, the aid system launched last month by the Gaza Humanitarian Aid Foundation faces challenges due to daily shootings as crowds attempt to reach aid points, while the established UN system is unable to deliver food due to Israeli restrictions and law enforcement issues.

The draft resolution to be voted on mentions a legally binding order from the UN Supreme Court on March 28 for Israel to open more land crossings into Gaza for the delivery of food, water, fuel, and other supplies. The International Court of Justice issued this order in a case brought by the Republic of South Africa, accusing Israel of genocide during the war in Gaza, accusations that Israel vehemently denies.

The resolution emphasizes that Israel, as an occupying power, has obligations under international law to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need.

It reaffirms the Assembly's commitment to a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, whereby Gaza should be part of the Palestinian state. The Assembly is holding a high-level meeting next week to promote the two-state solution, which Israel rejects.

The resolution supports mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States aimed at implementing the ceasefire agreement from January. When the U.S. vetoed the Gaza resolution last week, acting Ambassador Dorothy Shea stated that it would undermine Israel's security and diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire "that reflects the realities on the ground."

Like the failed Security Council resolution, the resolution to be voted on Thursday also does not condemn the deadly Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which triggered the war, nor does it demand that the armed group disarm and withdraw from Gaza. These are requirements of the United States.

Hamas-led militants killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 hostages. Approximately 55 hostages are still being held. Israel's military campaign has killed over 55,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. They claim that most of the dead are women and children, but do not distinguish between civilians and fighters. Israel claims to have killed over 20,000 militants, without providing evidence.

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