UNITED NATIONS (AP) – The U.N. General Assembly is scheduled to vote on a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and the reopening of Israeli border crossings to facilitate the delivery of critically needed food and aid. This resolution, drafted by Spain and obtained by The Associated Press, "strongly condemns any use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare."
Humanitarian experts have warned that hunger is rampant in Gaza, with approximately 2 million Palestinians at risk of famine unless Israel fully lifts its blockade and ceases its military campaign. This military action was renewed in March following the ending of a ceasefire with Hamas.
Last week, the U.N. Security Council failed to adopt a resolution demanding a ceasefire and calling for Israel to remove all restrictions on aid delivery. The United States vetoed this resolution, citing the absence of a link to the release of hostages, while all 14 other council members voted in favor. In contrast, no vetoes will occur in the 193-member General Assembly, where the resolution is expected to pass overwhelmingly. However, it is important to note that assembly resolutions are not legally binding, though they do reflect global opinion.
After enduring a 10-week blockade that cut off all aid to Gaza, Israel has permitted the United Nations to supply limited food assistance and is supporting a newly formed U.S. aid organization that has established locations in the central and southern regions of the territory to distribute food parcels. Nonetheless, the aid initiative launched by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has been marred by violence amidst daily shootings as crowds converge at aid distribution points, while the longstanding U.N.-operated system has faced challenges in delivering food due to Israeli restrictions and deteriorating law and order.
The draft resolution set for Thursday's vote also refers to an order from the International Court of Justice on March 28, which is legally binding, mandating Israel to enhance land crossings into Gaza for the provision of food, water, fuel, and other essential supplies. This order arose from a case initiated by South Africa, which accused Israel of committing acts of genocide in its military operations in Gaza—an allegation that Israel vehemently denies.
Additionally, the resolution highlights Israel's obligations under international law, as an occupying power, to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need. It reinforces the assembly’s commitment to a two-state solution regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, envisioning the Gaza Strip as part of a Palestinian state. A high-level meeting addressing this two-state solution is set to occur next week, despite Israel's rejection of the proposal.
The resolution also backs mediation efforts from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States aimed at implementing a ceasefire agreement reached in January. After the U.S. vetoed last week’s Gaza resolution, Acting Ambassador Dorothy Shea expressed concern that it would undermine Israel's security and diplomatic initiatives for a ceasefire that is reflective of the “realities on the ground.”
Importantly, similar to the Security Council resolution that failed, the upcoming vote on Thursday does not condemn Hamas for its deadly assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which triggered the current conflict, nor does it demand that the militant group disarm and withdraw from Gaza—conditions outlined by the U.S.
The attacks carried out by Hamas-led militants resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 individuals, predominantly civilians, and saw 251 taken hostage, with approximately 55 still being held. Conversely, Israel's military campaign has reportedly resulted in over 55,000 Palestinian fatalities, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which states that women and children constitute the majority of the deceased but does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. Israel claims to have killed more than 20,000 militants, although it has not provided evidence for this assertion.
