The resolution, titled Protection of Civilians and Upholding Legal and Humanitarian Obligations (A/ES10/L34/Revision 1), was approved with 149 votes in favour, 12 against, and 19 abstentions.

Riyad Mansour, the Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the UN, welcomed the vote, praising the countries that supported the call for a ceasefire. He described the ongoing situation as “illegal and immoral” and insisted that it must end immediately. Mansour also expressed gratitude to the governments and people around the world who have stood in defence of the Palestinian people during this humanitarian crisis.

However, the resolution did face opposition from a handful of nations, including Israel and the United States (US).

Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon criticised the resolution for failing to link a ceasefire to the release of hostages held by Hamas. He said that by not making the release of hostages a condition, the international community was effectively rewarding terrorist acts and sending the wrong message. “This is not diplomacy; it is surrender,” Danon stated firmly.

Similarly, the US voted against the resolution. Acting US Representative Dorothy Shea argued that the resolution did not hold Hamas accountable and criticised what she described as “blind support” for the group. Shea pointed out that such measures could undermine diplomatic efforts to secure the release of hostages and embolden Hamas, which continues to reject ceasefire proposals accepted by Israel.

--ChannelAfrica--