“Gaza doesn't exist any more. It is destroyed. Civilians are facing hunger, despair and death. There is no reason for this war to continue. We need a ceasefire now. We need to bring hostages home now.”

The United Nations General Assembly held a vote on two resolutions regarding the situation in Gaza and the role of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

In the first resolution, the Assembly demanded an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. This resolution was adopted with overwhelming support: 158 votes in favor, nine against, and 13 abstentions out of the 193-member Assembly.

The second resolution expressed support for UNRWA while condemning a recent Israeli law that would prohibit the agency’s operations within Israel. It called on Israel to respect UNRWA’s mandate and adhere to international obligations, including facilitating humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza. This resolution was also adopted, with 159 votes in favor, nine against, and 11 abstentions.

The votes followed two days of speeches in which numerous representatives urged an end to the 14-month conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in at least 44,805 deaths—primarily Palestinian women and children—and over 106,257 injuries.

 General Assembly Adopts Resolutions Demanding Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza, Israel to Allow UN Palestine Refugee Agency to Carry Out Aid Operations Unrestricted