UNGA calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

KABUL (Pajhwok): The United Nations General Assembly has demand an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, Al Jazeera reported on Thursday.

The assembly voted overwhelmingly in favour of a resolution that also expressed support for the work of the UN’s agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).

The resolution was adopted with 158 votes in favour from the 193-member assembly. Nine votes were cast against it, with 13 abstentions.

The UNGA also gave the go-ahead to a second resolution deploring a new Israeli law that would ban the UN agency’s operations in the Jewish country. It was carried with 159 votes in favour, nine against and 11 abstentions.

That resolution asks Israel to respect UNRWA’s mandate and abide by its international obligations.  Tel Aviv was urged uphold its responsibility to facilitate full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza.

Slovenia’s UN Ambassador Samuel Zbogar said: “Gaza doesn’t exist anymore. It is destroyed. Civilians are facing hunger, despair and death.”

US Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood opposed the ceasefire resolution, criticising the Palestinians for again failing to mention October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israe.

Ahead of the vote, Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon hit out at supporters of the resolutions of complicity with Hamas.

PAN Monitor/mud