The United Nations General Assembly has adopted two key resolutions with overwhelming support, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and reaffirming the mandate of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
The resolution titled “Supporting the mandate of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East” passed with 159 votes in favour, nine against, and 11 abstentions. A separate resolution, “Demand for ceasefire in Gaza,” secured 158 votes in favour, nine objections, and 13 abstentions. Argentina, Israel, and the United States were among the nations that voted against both measures.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates expressed deep gratitude to countries that backed the resolutions, highlighting their importance in upholding justice, human rights, and international law. It praised the renewed support for UNRWA, describing it as a vital institution for providing services to Palestinian refugees, safeguarding their rights, and promoting regional stability.
The ceasefire resolution calls on Israel to respect UNRWA’s mandate and to adhere to its international obligations by facilitating unimpeded humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza.
The General Assembly votes came amidst intense debates on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 44,800 Palestinians—predominantly women and children—have been killed, and more than 106,200 injured since the escalation of conflict. The war has drawn widespread condemnation and faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Palestine’s UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour described Gaza as “the bleeding heart of Palestine,” urging the international community to act against the ongoing atrocities.
Slovenia’s UN Ambassador Samuel Zbogar echoed this sentiment, saying, “Gaza doesn’t exist anymore. It is destroyed. Civilians are facing hunger, despair, and death. There is no reason for this war to continue. We need a ceasefire now.”
The resolutions also emphasize accountability for violations of international law, protection for civilians, and ensuring unrestricted humanitarian aid access to Gaza.
Israel, which has long sought to close UNRWA, contends that the agency perpetuates the Palestinian refugee issue. Critics argue that shutting down UNRWA would undermine the refugees’ right to return to their homeland, a right Israel has denied since the late 1940s, despite its UN membership conditions requiring this allowance.
