UN General Assembly Passes Resolution Urging Israel to End Gaza Blockade
The United Nations General Assembly has approved a significant resolution on Thursday, coauthored by Spain and Palestine, urging Israel to lift the blockade on the Gaza Strip. This resolution, titled 'Protection of Civilians and Compliance with Legal and Humanitarian Obligations,' passed with a notable majority, securing 149 votes in favor, while 12 nations, including the USA and Israel, opposed it, and 19 opted for abstention.
The text unequivocally condemns the use of hunger as a tactic in warfare, highlighting the unlawful denial of humanitarian access to the civilian population. It strongly emphasizes the necessity of not depriving the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip of essential goods vital for their survival.
Specifically, the resolution calls on Israel, identified as the occupying power, to promptly terminate the blockade, open all border crossings, and ensure that humanitarian aid flows into the Gaza Strip efficiently and on a vast scale, in alignment with International Law. It reiterates the importance of adherence to a previous UN Security Council resolution from June 2024, which demanded an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, the return of deceased hostages' remains, the exchange of Palestinian prisoners, the repatriation of civilians, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Moreover, the resolution emphasizes the need for accountability, urging member states to undertake both individual and collective measures to ensure Israel fulfills its obligations. This includes a strong call for the protection of medical and humanitarian personnel, and it urges all parties engaged in armed conflict to safeguard civilian lives and properties as a fundamental principle.
The initiative reflects a steadfast commitment to a two-state solution, proposing that the Gaza Strip be recognized as part of a Palestinian state. This would facilitate the peaceful coexistence of two democratic states—Israel and Palestine—within secure and internationally recognized borders.
The resolution's approval follows weeks of negotiation, with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares working diligently to build support among other nations for this important initiative.
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