UN demands immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza

KABUL (Pajhwok): The UN General Assembly (UNGA) with an overwhelming majority has adopted a resolution, demanding an ‘immediate humanitarian ceasefire’ and unconditional release of all hostages and well as “ensuring humanitarian access in Gaza.

The resolution was passed with a large majority of 153 in favour and 10 against, with 23 abstentions, the world’s body said in a statement on Wednesday.

The resolution also reiterated the General Assembly's demand that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, “notably with regard to the protection of civilians”.

Prior to the resolution, two amendments making specific reference to extremist group Hamas were voted down by members.

According to AP, since the start of the war in Gaza more than 18,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 80 percent of the population of 2.3 million driven from their homes.

Gaza City and much of the surrounding north have already suffered widespread destruction from more than two months of bombardment.

Amid the rubble, Israeli ground troops are still locked in heavy combat with Palestinian fighters, more than six weeks after soldiers invaded the north.

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