The UN General Assembly on Tuesday voted overwhelmingly to adopt a resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza as global opposition to the US-backed Israeli massacre of Palestinians continues to rise.
Out of the 193 members of the General Assembly, 153 countries supported the resolution, 10 voted against it, and 23 abstained. The US and Israel voted against the ceasefire and were joined by Austria, Czechia, Guatemala, Liberia, Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, and Paraguay.
The resolution expresses “grave concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the suffering of the Palestinian civilian population, and emphasizing that the Palestinian and Israeli civilian populations must be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law.”
It demands an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire,” calls on all parties to follow international law, and demands “the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access.”
Last week, the US vetoed a similar resolution at the UN Security Council that received support from 13 out of the 15 members, while the UK abstained from voting. But the US does not have veto power on the General Assembly, and while the resolution is non-binding, it demonstrates how the US is isolating itself on the world stage by backing Israel’s slaughter.
In just over two months, Israel’s bombardment and siege on Gaza has killed over 18,000 Palestinians, including over 7,000 children, and about 90% of the enclave’s population has been displaced. Israeli officials have rejected international pressure for a ceasefire and vowed the war will go on, possibly for months or even years.
Source: AntiWar.
