UN Assembly backs Gaza ceasefire

The United Nations General Assembly, including Azerbaijan, has overwhelmingly passed a resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional, and lasting ceasefire in Gaza.

Meeting in emergency session, 149 countries voted in favor of the resolution, while just 12 opposed it and 19 abstained. Among those voting against were the United States and Israel, alongside Argentina, Hungary, Paraguay and a handful of others. Abstentions included India, Georgia, Ecuador, Romania, and Ethiopia.

The resolution, spearheaded by more than 20 nations, strongly condemns the use of starvation as a weapon of war and calls for the complete lifting of the Israeli blockade to allow unhindered humanitarian aid into Gaza. It also reinforces the obligation to protect civilians and uphold international law.

Though General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, Thursday's vote is a powerful expression of global political will, especially after the U.S. last week vetoed a similar measure in the Security Council, leaving the body paralysed.

"The horrors in Gaza must end"

General Assembly President Philémon Yang opened the special session with stark criticism of the Security Council’s failure to act, calling the humanitarian situation in Gaza “unacceptable.” He cited reports of ongoing civilian deaths, widespread hunger, and limited access to basic necessities like food, water, and medicine.

Yang also drew attention to the plight of hostages and those arbitrarily detained, while expressing hope that an upcoming high-level meeting in New York, chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, might bring fresh momentum toward a two-state solution.

Key demands of the resolution

Ceasefire: Calls for an immediate and unconditional halt to hostilities.

Hostage Release: Demands the freeing of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups.

Humanitarian Access: Insists on safe and unimpeded delivery of aid throughout Gaza.

International Law: Reaffirms the obligation to protect civilians and ensure accountability for violations.

End to Blockade: Demands Israel lift the blockade and open all border crossings.

Accountability: Urges Member States to ensure Israeli compliance with international law.

Medical Protection: Underscores the neutrality of health workers and calls for the safeguarding of medical facilities.

UN Protection: Demands respect for UN and humanitarian workers, their missions, and immunity.

ICJ Advisory Opinion: Recalls the General Assembly’s previous request for legal clarity on Israel’s responsibilities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

A humanitarian crisis 

The vote comes as the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Famine conditions are reportedly widespread, and recent incidents have seen civilians injured or killed while seeking food at distribution points, many of which operate outside of UN control but receive U.S. and Israeli support.

The new resolution also backs the full implementation of Security Council resolution 2735 (2024), which includes provisions for a ceasefire, the exchange of prisoners, the return of displaced persons, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

As the crisis drags into its 20th month, the General Assembly has stepped in where the Security Council has stalled—offering a forceful international demand for peace, protection, and accountability.

What’s next?

Attention now shifts to next week’s diplomatic talks in New York, where world leaders will gather to explore long-term solutions, including the long-elusive two-state framework. In the meantime, humanitarian organizations continue to call for urgent aid access, protection of civilians, and respect for international norms in the conflict zone.

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News Politics Azerbaijan United Nations Israel Gaza

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