The United Nations General Assembly is set to vote on a draft resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in the war in Gaza on Thursday.
The resolution comes as the humanitarian crisis in the enclave worsens, with the UN warning of looming famine and aid trickling in.
The draft resolution, which is expected to pass with overwhelming support, calls for the release of hostages held by Hamas, the return of Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel, and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
According to Reuters, the draft also demands unhindered aid access and condemns the use of starvation as a method of warfare.
It demands unhindered aid access and “strongly condemns the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare and the unlawful denial of humanitarian access and depriving civilians … of objects indispensable to their survival, including willfully impeding relief supply and access.”
The vote comes after the US vetoed a similar resolution in the Security Council last week, arguing it would undermine US-led efforts to broker a ceasefire. However, the General Assembly does not have veto powers, making it likely that the resolution will pass.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is dire, with over 54,000 Palestinians killed and thousands more lost under rubble since the war began in October 2023.
The UN has warned that a famine is looming, and aid has been severely restricted. The situation has been described as a “humanitarian catastrophe” by many countries.
The US has urged countries not to attend a UN conference next week aimed at reviving a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians, warning of diplomatic consequences for those who take “anti-Israel actions.”
“Countries that take anti-Israel actions on the heels of the conference will be viewed as acting in opposition to U.S. foreign policy interests and could face diplomatic consequences,” the US warned, as reported by Reuters, citing a note seen.
However, many countries are expected to support the resolution, reflecting the global view on the war.
The General Assembly’s vote will carry significant weight, even though it is not binding. It remains to be seen whether the resolution will have any impact on the situation on the ground, given that previous demands for a ceasefire have been ignored.
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