The United Nations (UN) General Assembly approved a resolution seeking an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Palestinian militants, Hamas. They also demanded aid access to the Gaza Strip and protection of civilians.
Reuters reported that the agreement was taken at a meeting and vote on Friday (27/10/2023) local time. The resolution was drafted by Arab countries.
Jordanian Ambassador to the UN Mahmoud Hmoud, speaking on behalf of 22 Arab countries, called for immediate action from the 193-member world body. The decision was taken with 120 votes in favor from members. Meanwhile, 45 votes abstained and 14 voted against.
The countries that rejected the resolution were the United States, Israel, Austria, the Czech Republic, Guatemala, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Hungary, Croatia, Paraguay, Tonga, Nauru, the Marshall Islands and Micronesia. Meanwhile, countries that abstained include Canada, Germany, England, the Netherlands, Estonia, Slovakia, Lithuania, Romania, Japan, South Korea, Monaco, Italy, Ukraine, Australia, Poland, Cyprus, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Serbia, Greece , Philippines, Haiti, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Kiribati and Palau.
In addition to calling for an immediate, long-term and sustainable humanitarian ceasefire leading to a cessation of hostilities, as reported by the AP, the proposed resolution demands that all parties immediately comply with their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law. This is to require the protection of civilians and schools, hospitals and other infrastructure that is important for their survival. The resolution also demands that essential supplies be allowed into the Gaza Strip and that humanitarian workers have continued access.
Not only that, the resolution also contains a call on Israel to cancel its order for Gaza residents to flee the north and move to the south and "firmly reject all attempts at forced displacement of the Palestinian civilian population." The resolution also stressed the need “to immediately establish mechanisms that guarantee the protection of the Palestinian civilian population.” The resolution also “emphasizes the importance of preventing further destabilization and escalation of violence in the region and calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint.” (Source: CNN Indonesia/Republika)
