News|Israel-Palestine conflictUN General Assembly adopts resolution demanding Israel allow aid into GazaUN member states endorsed the ICJ’s findings and pressed Israel to meet its legal obligations as an occupying power.
The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution calling for Israel to enable unrestricted humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip, cease attacks on UN facilities, and adhere to international law in accordance with its responsibilities as an…
The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution calling for Israel to enable unrestricted humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip, cease attacks on UN facilities, and adhere to international law in accordance with its responsibilities as an occupying power.
This resolution was passed following the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) advisory opinion in October, which detailed Israel’s obligations under the UN Charter and humanitarian law.
Israel has only permitted a limited amount of humanitarian aid into Gaza, contrary to the terms of the ceasefire brokered by the United States in October.
The resolution, introduced by Norway with support from over a dozen other states, received backing from 139 countries. Twelve countries, including Israel and the United States, voted against it, while 19 abstained.
This resolution was passed following the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) advisory opinion in October, which detailed Israel’s obligations under the UN Charter and humanitarian law.
Norway’s Permanent Representative Merete Fjeld Brattested highlighted the increasing violence in the region and emphasized the necessity of the ICJ's proceedings to clarify state obligations regarding humanitarian assistance in Palestine.
Brattested referenced recent incidents that emphasize the Court’s findings' urgency, including unauthorized entries into UNRWA facilities. The UN secretary-general condemned these actions as violations of international obligations to respect UN premises.
Prior to the vote, US envoy Jeff Bartos opposed the resolution, stating it continued an alleged pattern of unfairly targeting Israel. Conversely, Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of UNRWA, supported the resolution, citing it as a strong endorsement of the ICJ’s findings regarding UNRWA's neutrality and the lack of substantiation for allegations against the agency.
Palestinian National Council Speaker Rouhi Fattouh acknowledged the resolution's adoption as indicative of international support for UNRWA and its mandate. He also warned of escalating occupation-related violence and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Palestinian territories.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
