Overview
- On June 12 the 193-member General Assembly approved a non-binding resolution by 149 votes to 12 with 19 abstentions calling for an immediate, unconditional and permanent Gaza ceasefire, the release of hostages and withdrawal of Israeli forces.
- The text condemns the starvation of civilians as a method of warfare and insists on unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid throughout the Gaza Strip.
- Although non-binding, the vote underscores global frustration after more than 55,000 Palestinian deaths and warns of a looming humanitarian catastrophe.
- Last week the United States vetoed an identical proposal in the UN Security Council, arguing it would undermine its own ceasefire mediation efforts.
- India abstained for the fourth time, reaffirming its commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as member states prepare for a UN conference on a two-state solution.