By The Associated Press
The U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday overwhelmingly passed a resolution demanding a humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, underscoring global support for ending the war between Israel and Hamas. The vote also shows the growing isolation of the United States and Israel.
The vote of the world body of 193 member countries was 153 in favor, 10 against and 23 abstentions. Support was higher than that won on October 27 for a resolution calling for a "humanitarian truce" leading to a cessation of hostilities, when the vote was 120 in favor and 14 against, with 45 abstentions.
Unlike Security Council resolutions, those adopted by the General Assembly are not legally binding. However, the messages issued by the assembly are important barometers of world opinion.
Israeli soldiers, during the operation in the Gaza Strip, on November 8, 2023.Associated Press
The United States on Friday vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution backed by nearly every other member demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, where Palestinian civilians are facing what the U.N. secretary-general has called a "humanitarian nightmare."
Deputy U.S. Ambassador Robert Wood criticized the council after the vote for failing to condemn Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel or recognize Israel's right to defend itself. He declared that halting military action would allow Hamas to continue ruling Gaza and "would only plant the seeds for the next war."
"For that reason, while the United States strongly supports a lasting peace, in which both Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security, we do not support calls for an immediate ceasefire," Wood said.