UN Calls for Aid Truce Between Israel and Hamas, According to Reuters

By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS – On Friday, the United Nations General Assembly strongly urged for an immediate humanitarian truce between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas, emphasizing the need for aid access to the besieged Gaza Strip and the protection of civilians.

The resolution, proposed by Arab nations, is not legally binding but holds significant political weight as Israel intensifies its military operations in Gaza in response to the deadliest attack on its civilians in the country’s 75-year history.

The resolution was passed with 121 votes in favor, 44 abstentions, and 14 votes against, including those from Israel and the United States. Iraq later switched its vote to yes, correcting an earlier technical issue with their abstention. A two-thirds majority was required for approval, with abstentions not counted.

"This sends a message that enough is enough. This war must stop, the violence against our people must cease, and humanitarian aid should be allowed into the Gaza Strip," stated Palestinian U.N. envoy Riyad Mansour.

Israel’s U.N. Ambassador, Gilad Erdan, dismissed the resolution as lacking legitimacy and accused supporters of favoring "the defense of Nazi terrorists" over Israel’s right to defend itself. He criticized the call for a truce, arguing it would allow Hamas to continue their aggression against Israel.

Attempts to amend the resolution to include a condemnation of Hamas’ actions, including recent terrorist attacks and hostage-taking, did not succeed, receiving 88 votes in favor but failing to meet the two-thirds majority threshold.

ASSEMBLY STRESSES PREVENTING WIDER WAR

Amid rising concerns that the conflict could escalate into a broader war, the General Assembly highlighted the need to prevent further destabilization and urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint. The Assembly also called on Israel to revoke its order for civilians in Gaza to move south, a directive issued on October 12 that affected around 1.1 million people.

In a further statement, the General Assembly firmly rejected any forced transfer of the Palestinian civilian population.

Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas, which governs Gaza, following the militants’ attack on October 7 that resulted in the deaths of 1,400 people and the abduction of hundreds. In retaliation, Israel has conducted airstrikes on Gaza, imposed a siege, and readied ground invasion plans, with Palestinian authorities reporting over 7,000 casualties.

Additionally, the General Assembly demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all civilians being held unlawfully but did not explicitly mention Hamas in the resolution.