The President of the UN General Assembly resumed the 10th emergency session on the situation in the Middle East. 10th emergency session: General Assembly adopted resolutions on ceasefire in Gaza and support for UNRWA Peace and security
After many hours of debate, during which representatives of dozens of countries spoke, the UN General Assembly adopted resolutions on a ceasefire in Gaza and on support for the UN agency for the relief of Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).
Tenth Emergency Session
The President of the UN General Assembly resumed the 10th emergency session on the situation in the Middle East in accordance with the General Assembly resolution adopted in 1950. The document, entitled “Uniting for Peace,” proposes that the General Assembly meet after the Security Council proves unable to fulfill its primary responsibility to maintain peace. In this case, the reason for the resumption of the session was the use of a veto by the United States in the Security Council vote on November 20 on a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Resolution on a ceasefire in Gaza
On Wednesday, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of all hostages. It was supported by 158 delegations, 9 voted against and 13 abstained. The document, proposed by a number of countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Qatar and the State of Palestine, condemns attacks on civilians and civilian objects, the forced displacement of people and the blockade of humanitarian aid.
The resolution stresses the need for full respect for international humanitarian law, the protection of civilians, and the urgent delivery of aid to Gaza. Particular attention is paid to the catastrophic humanitarian situation, in particular the lack of food and medical care, which threatens the lives of the civilian population, especially children and women.
The UN Secretary-General was instructed to report on the implementation of the resolution within three weeks and propose mechanisms to hold those responsible accountable. The document also reaffirmed the commitment to a two-state solution to the conflict, including the full restoration of the Palestinian Authority in the Gaza Strip. The resolution was adopted amid ongoing hostilities and efforts by the international community to resolve the conflict.
Resolution to support UNRWA
The second resolution adopted on Wednesday in the UN General Assembly supports the mandate of the UN Relief and Relief Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). It was supported by 159 delegations, 9 voted against and 11 abstained. The document emphasizes the need to continue the agency’s humanitarian activities in the context of the deteriorating situation in the region.
The resolution notes the critical role of UNRWA in providing vital assistance to more than six million Palestine refugees.
The General Assembly condemned actions that create obstacles to the agency’s work, including attacks on its staff and facilities, as well as restrictions on humanitarian access. The UN called on all parties to the conflict to comply with international law and ensure the unhindered operation of the agency.
The authors of the document also expressed concern about the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip and stressed the importance of operational assistance, including food, medical services and the restoration of infrastructure.
The resolution was initiated by Palestine, Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar and a number of other countries. She emphasizes the need for international support to overcome the financial crisis facing UNRWA and to ensure stability in the region.