The UN General Assembly has unanimously passed two resolutions, one calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and another supporting the activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The resolutions also demanded the immediate release of hostages held in Gaza. According to Al Jazeera, the conflict in Gaza has resulted in 44,805 deaths, most of whom are Palestinian women and children, with 106,257 injured. In light of this devastation, the UN urged an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

On Wednesday, 158 out of 193 member states voted in favor of the ceasefire resolution, while nine countries opposed it, and 13 abstained. Another resolution supporting UNRWA’s activities in Palestine also passed, with 159 votes in favor, nine against, and 11 abstentions. This resolution condemned a new Israeli law restricting UN operations and called on Israel to respect UNRWA’s activities and comply with international obligations. It also demanded full, rapid, safe, and unhindered access for humanitarian aid in Gaza.

During the General Assembly debates, speakers highlighted the need to end the 14-month-long conflict in the Palestinian territories. Slovenia’s UN ambassador, Samuel Žbogar, stated, “Gaza no longer exists; it is destroyed. Civilians are facing hunger, despair, and death. There is no justification for continuing this war. We need a ceasefire now, and hostages must return home immediately.” Algeria’s deputy UN ambassador, Nassima Baghli, criticized the global failure to stop the tragedy, warning that the cost of silence and inaction would only grow heavier in the future.