non-binding UN resolution demands immediate cease-fire in Gaza

The UN General Assembly in a non-binding resolution, gained 153 votes in favor as the 193-member General Assembly gathered for an emergency special session on Palestine.

The draft resolution demanded immediate humanitarian ceasefire and immediate and unconditional release of all hostages as well as ensuring humanitarian access.

Countries voted against cease-fire in Gaza

The countries voted against the cease-fire in Gaza were US, Israel, Austria, Czechia, Guatemala, Liberia, Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea and Paraguay.

Countries abstained in voting for cease-fire in Gaza

The countries abstaining were Argentina, Bulgaria, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Netherlands, Palau, Panama, Romania, Slovakia, South Sudan, Togo, Tonga, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay.

BREAKING: UN General Assembly ADOPTS resolution demanding immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, as well as immediate and unconditional release of all hostages

FOR: 153
AGAINST: 10
ABSTAIN: 23

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— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) December 12, 2023

Canada, Australia and New Zealand – which along with the US and Britain make up the intelligence alliance known as the Five Eyes – released a joint statement on Tuesday backing the ceasefire.

The resolution emphasized that the Palestinian and Israeli civilian populations “must be protected” in accordance with international humanitarian law while demanding all parties to comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians.

UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolutions are not legally binding, but they do carry political weight. The UN’s website describes UNGA resolutions as the expression of member states’ views.