The UN General Assembly convenes on Tuesday to address the critical vote on a nonbinding resolution, urging an immediate humanitarian cease-fire and signaling a collective push for an end to the prolonged Israel-Hamas conflict.
Following the United States' use of its veto power in the Security Council, effectively obstructing the same resolution last Friday, Arab and Islamic nations promptly mobilized for an emergency session of the General Assembly, as per to Independent.
UN's Role in Israel-Hamas Conflict
A logo flag pictured at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 77), in New York City, United States of America, Tuesday 20 September 2022.
In a recent statement, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric identified the distinction between Security Council resolutions and General Assembly decisions. While Security Council resolutions hold legal binding, General Assembly decisions lack the same legal weight. However, Dujarric emphasized that these decisions still hold considerable significance as they reflect the collective international opinion.
The Palestinian ambassador to the UN, Riyad Mansour, revealed that the defeated Security Council resolution had garnered support from 103 countries. He anticipates more co-sponsors and a strong vote in favor of the General Assembly resolution on Tuesday.
This move follows the General Assembly's initial response to the Gaza conflict on October 27, where a call for a "humanitarian truce" secured a 120-14 vote with 45 abstentions. However, subsequent Security Council attempts faced hurdles, with the first resolution adopted on November 15 calling for "urgent and extended humanitarian pauses." This was passed with a 12-0 vote, while the US, UK, and Russia abstained.
The recent Security Council meeting on Friday, prompted by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres invoking Article 99 of the UN Charter, emphasized the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Guterres warned of a potential "humanitarian catastrophe" and urged the council to demand a cease-fire. The US abstained in its support for Israel, as the vote stood at 13-1, with the UK abstaining, according to ABC News.
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UN Resolution, Global Strike For Palestinian Rights
The General Assembly's draft resolution expresses "grave concern" over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, emphasizing the need to protect both Palestinian and Israeli civilians under international humanitarian law. In addition to an immediate cease-fire, it demands compliance with international humanitarian law and calls for the release of hostages, alongside ensuring humanitarian access.
Simultaneously, amid the ongoing conflict, Palestinians and their supporters are initiating a global strike against Israeli aggression. The Palestinian National and Islamic Forces called for a strike on December 11, urging people to refrain from public activities, including work and school. The goal is to disrupt the global economy and draw attention to the plight of Palestinians in Gaza.
Several countries participated in the strike, with roads empty, shops and offices closed, and even entire governments adhering to the call. The strike coincides with reports of unspeakable horrors faced by Palestinians, including attacks on hospitals and UN shelters.
As Gaza stands on the edge, the eyes of the international community are fixed on the UN General Assembly, where a crucial resolution is being voted upon. The resolution aims to provide relief to the innocent civilians who find themselves trapped in the midst of the ongoing conflict. The global community anxiously anticipates the outcome of this joint endeavor, as it holds the potential to establish a crucial humanitarian cease-fire in the conflict-ridden area, Outlook reported.
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