{"id":290184,"date":"2023-10-27T11:02:55","date_gmt":"2023-10-27T15:02:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/?post_type=document&p=290184"},"modified":"2023-10-31T11:07:52","modified_gmt":"2023-10-31T15:07:52","slug":"general-assembly-adopts-gaza-resolution-calling-for-immediate-and-sustained-humanitarian-truce-news-item","status":"publish","type":"document","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/general-assembly-adopts-gaza-resolution-calling-for-immediate-and-sustained-humanitarian-truce-news-item\/","title":{"rendered":"General Assembly Adopts Gaza Resolution Calling for Immediate and Sustained ‘Humanitarian Truce’ – News Item"},"content":{"rendered":"
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26 October 2023<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ\u00a0General Assembly<\/a>\u00a0on Friday adopted a resolution calling for an\u00a0\u201cimmediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce\u201d between Israeli forces and Hamas militants in Gaza. It also demands \u201ccontinuous, sufficient and unhindered\u201d provision of lifesaving supplies and services for civilians trapped inside the enclave, as news reports suggest Israel has expanded ground operations and intensified it bombing campaign.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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4:18 PM<\/strong><\/p>\n

France: Security Council must act<\/h3>\n

France\u2019s Ambassador Nicolas de Rivi\u00e8re speaking after the resolution passed, said his delegation voted in favour, as \u201cnothing justifies the killing of civilians\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to work collectively to set up a humanitarian truce because the situation in Gaza is catastrophic,\u201d he said, noting that France has already sent an aid vessel. \u201cThe Assembly must call for the release of hostages.\u201d<\/p>\n

However, the adoption of this resolution cannot replace the\u00a0Security Council<\/a>\u2019s efforts nor the decisions that the organ must now adopt, he said, expressing hope that the Council can reach a decision.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a duty to prevent a worsening of the situation,\u201d he said. \u201cThe only viable solution is a two-State solution.\u201d<\/p>\n

3:48 PM<\/strong><\/p>\n

Resolution adopted<\/h3>\n

The Jordanian resolution has been adopted by the General Assembly, with 120 votes in favour, 14 against and 45 abstentions.<\/p>\n

Another reminder of the key provisions of the resolution now adopted, which is a non-binding expression of the majority view of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Member States.<\/p>\n

It marks the first formal response of the United Nations to the hostilities since the Hamas terror attacks of 7 October, after the Security Council failed on four occasions to reach consensus on any action.<\/p>\n

Check out our explainer here<\/strong><\/a>, on how emergency special sessions of the Assembly work, and WHY they matter.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The resolution does not make specific mention of the militant group which controls Gaza, Hamas, one of the key issues which led to a Canadian amendment being proposed.<\/p>\n

The resolution calls for an \u201cimmediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce\u201d, and\u00a0demands<\/strong>\u00a0all parties comply with international humanitarian law and \u201ccontinuous, sufficient and unhindered\u201d provision of essential supplies and services into the Gaza Strip.<\/p>\n

It also calls for the \u201cimmediate and unconditional release\u201d of all civilians held captive as well as demanding their safety, well-being and humane treatment in compliance with international law.<\/p>\n

3:45 PM<\/strong><\/p>\n

Canadian amendment fails to get enough support<\/h3>\n

The votes on the amendment were 85 for, 55 against, with 23 abstentions, so it failed to get the required two-thirds majority.<\/p>\n

Israel must be named too: Pakistan<\/h3>\n

In a powerful speech rebutting Canada’s explanation, Pakistan\u2019s ambassador Munir Akram said that if Canada was being fair in its amendment it would agree to name Israel as well as Hamas.<\/p>\n

Not naming either side was the best choice he said, as the Jordanian resolution does.<\/p>\n

\u201cIsrael needs to be named too, if you are to be fair and equitable and just\u201d, he said.<\/p>\n

We all know who started this. It is 50 years of Israeli occupation and the killing of Palestinians with impunity, he said.<\/p>\n

Israel can\u2019t face the truth or face justice. The Israeli occupation is the original sin, not what happened on 7 October.<\/p>\n

3: 28 PM<\/strong><\/p>\n

Canada: Terror attacks must be recognized<\/h3>\n

Canada\u2019s Ambassador Bob Rae said the Assembly is meeting to show Israelis and Palestinians that any life lost is a tragedy. Yet, the critical reason for being here has been forgotten. On 7 October, Hamas wreaked terror on Israel. Since then, more that 7,000 Palestinians have been killed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can see the need for a rapid response,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, Canada cannot support the current text, he said, adding that the Assembly cannot act without recognizing the 7 October terrorist attacks and the hostage taking.<\/p>\n

If the proposed amendment is not adopted, the Assembly will not have recognized one of the world\u2019s worst terrorist attacks and \u201cwe will all have to live with that failure as the tragedy continues to unfold,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

If the proposed amendment is not adopted, the Assembly will not have recognized one of the world\u2019s worst terrorist attacks and \u201cwe will all have to live with that failure as the tragedy continues to unfold,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

This amendment \u201cnames what has to be named\u201d, he said. Emphasizing that the crisis must not spread through the region, he reiterated that Canada supports the two-State solution and continues to provide humanitarian aid for Gaza.<\/p>\n

3:24 PM<\/strong><\/p>\n

‘Simple yet vital goal’<\/h3>\n

Jordan\u2019s ambassador\u00a0Mahmoud Daifallah\u00a0Hmoud<\/strong>\u00a0spoke ahead of the voting, saying that the “urgent need for an immediate ceasefire cannot be overstated.”<\/p>\n

He said that the immeasurable suffering of the Palestinian people was destined to leave a lasting mark on generations to come.<\/p>\n

He said that delegates were “witnessing a ground invasion by Israel as we speak” and failure four times by the Security Council to reach any consensus for action.<\/p>\n

He said the was a “simple yet vital goal” of their resolution “that aligns with the very purpose for which the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ was established, peace and compliance with international law.”<\/p>\n

3:14 PM<\/strong><\/p>\n

With a palpable buzz among delegates inside the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ General Assembly Hall, the afternoon session is underway.<\/p>\n

Seven more countries have become co-sponsors of the Jordanian resolution in the past few hours and 36 more countries have become co-sponsors of the Canadian amendment.<\/p>\n

2:45 PM<\/strong><\/p>\n

What does the resolution say?<\/h3>\n

Just a reminder as the voting looms at 3 PM of what the resolution and the Canadian amendment – which will be considered first – actually calls for…<\/p>\n

The Jordanian resolution has the backing of more than 40 Member States, including Egypt, Oman and UAE.<\/p>\n

It calls for an \u201cimmediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce\u201d, and\u00a0demands<\/strong>\u00a0all parties comply with international humanitarian law and \u201ccontinuous, sufficient and unhindered\u201d provision of essential supplies and services into the Gaza Strip.<\/p>\n

It also calls for the \u201cimmediate and unconditional release\u201d of all civilians held captive as well as demanding their safety, well-being and humane treatment in compliance with international law.<\/p>\n

The resolution makes no specific mention of the Hamas terror attacks of 7 October.<\/p>\n

Canada’s amendment condemns Hamas<\/h3>\n

An amendment has been proposed by Canada that \u201cunequivocally rejects and condemns the terrorist attacks by Hamas\u201d in Israel starting 7 October and the taking of hostages.<\/p>\n

Several countries including the US, have spoken out forcefully in favour of the amendment this morning.<\/p>\n

Draft resolutions do not represent the official position of the General Assembly until adopted.<\/p>\n

13:08 PM<\/strong><\/p>\n

The morning session has ended and the General Assembly will reconvene at 3 PM to consider the draft resolution and any related amendments.<\/p>\n

After voting, the debate will resume with dozens more countries due to take the podium.<\/p>\n

12:51 PM<\/strong><\/p>\n

UK: Take all steps possible to protect civilian life<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The\u00a0United Kingdom\u2019s Minister for the Middle East, Lord Tariq Ahmad<\/strong>, began by offering condolences to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ staff and medics who have lost their lives under bombardment in Gaza, together with the victims of the 7 October attacks in Israel and the families of innocent Palestinians killed.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery life that is lost is a tragedy. Not just for a family in Israel, Gaza or the West Bank but for all of humanity.\u201d<\/p>\n

He called on all parties to respect international humanitarian law, calling for the unconditional release of hostages and unhindered humanitarian access.<\/p>\n

Lord Ahmad said it was urgent to scale up aid through the Rafah crossing, and praised the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Secretary-General and all staff who are working tirelessly to ensure aid reaches those in need.<\/p>\n

He said humanitarian pauses were essential to allow aid through.<\/p>\n

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Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Photo\/Evan Schneider<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
United Kingdom\u2019s Minister for the Middle East, Lord Tariq Ahmad, addresses the resumed 10th Emergency Special Session meeting on the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Standing against terror<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The UK stands with Israel in the face of Hamas terror and Israel\u2019s right to self defence, he underlined, but stressed this must be within international law.<\/p>\n

Stating a “personal view”, as a Muslim, the British peer said \u201cterrorism is evil\u201d and every act of terrorism is against humanity \u201cand we must condemn it unequivocally\u201d.<\/p>\n

On this basis, the resolution before the Assembly \u201cshould be clearer on this point.\u201d<\/p>\n

However, the UK has been equally clear that all steps must be taken to minimize harm and ensure civilian movements are voluntary and safe.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn this moment of darkness\u201d he said, let\u2019s come together and not lose sight of the promise of a two-State solution to the conflict.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe in the UK will continue to work closely with all partners in the region and beyond in these efforts because peace must prevail.\u201d<\/p>\n

12:39 PM<\/strong><\/p>\n

Brazil: Condemnation for all attacks on civilians<\/h3>\n

S\u00e9rgio Fran\u00e7a Danese, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Brazil<\/strong>\u00a0to the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ, expressed \u201cunequivocal condemnation\u201d of the heinous terrorist attacks by Hamas, including the taking of hostages.<\/p>\n

He also \u201cclearly condemned\u201d the attacks that are indiscriminately killing and wounding civilians and destroying homes in the Gaza Strip, depriving them of basic tools for survival.<\/p>\n

Mr. Fran\u00e7a Danese said Brazil, the President of the Security Council for October, welcomed the emergency session after the Security Council failed to adopt any of four draft resolutions on the crisis, including one proposed by his delegation, which drew 12 votes in favour.<\/p>\n

The robust support given by Council members to the resolution \u201cindicates that it was a balanced text,\u201d he said, describing the resolution as \u201csolidly rooted\u201d in international humanitarian and human rights law, and \u201cfundamentally committed to the humanitarian imperative.\u201d<\/p>\n

11:52 AM<\/strong><\/p>\n

Saudi Arabia: International failures<\/h3>\n

Abdulaziz M. Alwasil, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia<\/strong>\u00a0to the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ, said that the killing and destruction in the Gaza Strip is not only creating a humanitarian catastrophe but is also having dire consequences and repercussions on the security of the region and the world.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have clearly condemned the targeting of civilians by any party, called for a ceasefire, stop to the bloodshed, immediate lifting of the siege, release of hostages, and providing humanitarian assistance and support to those affected,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

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\"Ambassador<\/div>\n
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Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Photo\/Evan Schneider<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Ambassador Abdulaziz M. Alwasil of Saudi Arabia addresses the resumed 10th Emergency Special Session meeting on the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\u201cWe also condemned the attempts at forcible displacement and policies of collective punishment against the population in Gaza, including starvation of civilians as a weapon of war,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

Reaffirming the priority should be to work for peace, Ambassador Alwasil called for compliance with international conventions and laws.<\/p>\n

He stressed the current crisis was due to the failure on the part of the international community to end Israeli occupation and implement a two-State solution.<\/p>\n

\u201cSilence in the face of illegitimate Israeli practices, whether over the past 70 years, or even\u00a0 recently is what led the region to the current crisis,\u201d he said, warning of a possible spillover of the conflict that would threaten global peace and security.<\/p>\n

11:47 AM<\/strong><\/p>\n

European Union: Humanitarian access essential<\/h3>\n

The\u00a0European Union’s Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Representative, Olof Skoog<\/strong>, said the EU deeply regretted the use of veto in the Security Council because the crisis requires a strong, timely, united message by the Security Council.<\/p>\n

The urgency is to provide safe, rapid, unhindered humanitarian access to populations in need, by all possible means, whether a \u201ccorridor\u201d or a \u201chumanitarian pause\u201d – but this must not be exploited by terrorists.<\/p>\n

He said the EU is ready to contribute to the resumption of the political process on the basis of a two-State solution and supports the holding of an international peace conference as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

He understood the need to reach a consensus\u00a0in the General Assembly in the absence of a Security Council\u2019s resolution adding that the EU had worked constructively and formulated amendments, to overcome divisions.<\/p>\n

11:24 AM<\/strong><\/p>\n

US: ‘Omissions of evil’ to avoid reference to Hamas or hostages<\/h3>\n

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of US<\/strong>\u00a0to the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ, emphasized that the death, destruction and desperation \u201cplaying out before our eyes is enough for anyone to lose faith in humanity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Citing \u201cbarbaric acts of terror by Hamas\u201d, Ms. Thomas-Greenfield stressed \u201cthere is no justification for terror \u2013 none whatsoever. You all know that and we must condemn Hamas\u2019 acts of terror.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ms. Thomas-Greenfield said that to the terrorists of Hamas, civilians \u201care expendable.\u201d<\/p>\n

She said Israel was exercising its right and responsibility to defend its people from Hamas, but \u201cit must do so in line with rules of war\u201d and with respect for international humanitarian law.<\/p>\n

Recalling her country\u2019s work to help protect civilian lives and ensure humanitarian assistance into Gaza, she called on all Member States to also alleviate the humanitarian suffering there.<\/p>\n

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\"Ambassador<\/div>\n
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Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Photo\/Evan Schneider<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield of the United States addresses the resumed 10th Emergency Special Session meeting on the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

‘Lives hang in the balance’<\/h3>\n

\u201cTime is of the essence and lives hang in the balance,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Turning to the resolution, the US Ambassador emphasized that two key words were missing in the draft.<\/p>\n

\u201cFirst is Hamas, it is outrageous that the resolution fails to name the perpetrators of the 7 October terrorist attack,\u201d she said, adding that the other \u201ckey word missing is hostage; this resolution makes no mention of the innocent people, including citizens of many of you in this room, who have citizens that are held hostage by Hamas and other terrorist groups.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThese are omissions of evil, they give cover to and empower Hamas\u2019 brutality, and no Member State should allow that to happen,\u201d she stressed.<\/p>\n

Ms. Thomas-Greenfield noted that the US has co-sponsored an amendment by Canada that corrects these omissions, condemning Hamas\u2019 terrorist attacks and calling for immediate and unconditional release of hostages.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the bare minimum we would hope to see on this resolution,\u201d she said, urging all Member States to support the amendment.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe General Assembly must send a clear message to the world that we stand against all acts of terror and that we stand with all those who are being held hostage,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

Status quo must shift<\/h3>\n

The Ambassador recalled a statement by President Joe Biden that \u201cthere is no going back to the status quo, as it stood on 6 October.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe must not go back to a status quo, where Hamas terrorizes Israel and uses Palestinian civilians as human shields, and we must not go back to a status quo where extremist settlers can attack and terrorize Palestinians in the West Bank.\u201d<\/p>\n

This means that when this crisis is over, there has to be a vision of what comes next, in our view that vision must be centred around a two-State solution. Getting there will require concerted effort by all of us, she said.<\/p>\n

10:58 AM<\/strong><\/p>\n

Egypt: \u2018Enough is enough\u2019<\/h3>\n

Silence over the basic rights of Palestinians under fire in Gaza \u201cis no longer an option\u201d said\u00a0Egypt\u2019s ambassador Osama Mahmoud Abdelkhalek<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

He said there had to one standard applied to all, including Palestinians, as opposed to double standards.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo to targeting civilians, no to terrorism, no to violating international humanitarian law, no to bombarding hospitals and medical centres, no to killing children, no to the siege and no to cutting off all basic necessities of life.\u201d<\/p>\n

He said no to forcible displacement and liquidating human rights: \u201cNo to genocide \u2013 all people are equal.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\"Ambassador<\/div>\n
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Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Photo\/Evan Schneider<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Ambassador Osama Mahmoud Abdelkhalek of Egypt addresses the resumed 10th Emergency Special Session meeting on the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

He said it was key to speak out to not be \u2013 quoting an Arab proverb \u2013 a \u201cmute devil that does not speak out for the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEnough is enough\u201d he said. \u201cWe can no longer bear what is happening to the Palestinians.\u201d<\/p>\n

Defending the work of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ in Gaza and its calls for a humanitarian ceasefire, Ambassador Abdelkhalek said that that had nothing to do with supporting terrorist aggression, but was an important first step \u201cto stop the bloodshed.\u201d<\/p>\n

He denounced the policy of besieging and starving civilians of the Gaza Strip, saying that denying them water had \u201cno place in the 21st century. They are reminiscent of practices of the Middle Ages.\u201d<\/p>\n

He called on the Assembly to demand aid is delivered to Gaza, \u201cwithout any conditions\u201d, adding that otherwise it would mean \u201ca death sentence for the people of Gaza.\u201d<\/p>\n

Displacing Gazans for the third time in history from their land must be \u201crejected categorically\u201d, he added.<\/p>\n

10:50 AM<\/strong><\/p>\n

Qatar condemns targetting of civilians<\/h3>\n

Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Qatar<\/strong>\u00a0to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ, said the crisis threatens the security of the region and the world, and voiced regret over the failure of the Security Council to act.<\/p>\n

She called on all parties to deescalate and move towards a full ceasefire; immediate release of all prisoners, particularly civilians; delivery of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip; and opening of safe humanitarian corridors.<\/p>\n

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\"Ambassador<\/div>\n
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Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Photo\/Evan Schneider<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Ambassador Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani of Qatar addresses the resumed 10th Emergency Special Session meeting on the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Ms. Al-Thani reaffirmed her country\u2019s condemnation of targeting civilians, particularly women and children, as well as \u201cour unequivocal rejection of the siege imposed by Israel, the occupying power\u201d, depriving 2.3 million people – half of them children – of their basic needs.<\/p>\n

She urged all Member States to support the Jordanian-led draft resolution and to send a \u201cmessage of hope”.<\/p>\n

In conclusion, she said \u201cQatar continues to contribute to the ongoing diplomatic efforts to find a way out, that will stop the bloodshed of our Palestinian brothers and ensure a sustainable political solution in accordance to the well known terms of reference and steer the region away from spiralling into chaos and violence.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\"Ambassador<\/div>\n
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Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Photo\/Evan Schneider<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Ambassador Brian Wallace of Jamaica addresses the resumed 10th Emergency Special Session meeting on the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Jamaica: Devasting consequences of escalation<\/h3>\n

Brian Wallace, Jamaica’s Permanent Representative<\/strong>\u00a0who spoke for Caribbean Community CARICOM, said that If we do not immediately put an end to conflict, it could escalate into a wider regional war.<\/p>\n

He expressed concerns about the implications for international stability, with devastating consequences, particularly for small vulnerable island states such as those in CARICOM, which are “already struggling to overcome multi-faceted challenges.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet us recognize once and for all the utter futility of war, violence and terror,\u201d he said, reaffirming CARICOM’s continued support for Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Security Council resolution 242, calling for accelerated efforts for a peaceful and lasting resolution to the conflict.<\/p>\n

10:30 AM<\/strong><\/p>\n

Venezuela: End ‘inflammatory rhetoric’<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Taking the floor first on Friday,\u00a0Joaqu\u00edn Alberto P\u00e9rez Ayestar\u00e1n, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Venezuela<\/strong>, also spoke on behalf of the\u00a0Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations<\/a>.<\/p>\n

He called for an immediate ceasefire and end to all hostilities directed towards civilians and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, refugee centres and food warehouses.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe also call for restraint and urge an end to all inflammatory rhetoric and dehumanizing language, which in no way serves ongoing political and diplomatic efforts to deescalate…and on the contrary only further stokes tension and violence endangering thousands of innocent lives,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

On behalf of the Group, he called on the Security Council to urge Israel to heed the latest calls by the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Secretary-General including sticking to the principles of the\u00a0Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Charter<\/a>, the Geneva Conventions, and relevant international law.<\/p>\n

10:25 AM<\/strong><\/p>\n

There’s no objection to holding a vote at 3 PM. Venezuela is now taking its turn to speak at the podium.<\/p>\n

The Assembly also decided by general consent that for the adoption of any draft resolution, and any amendments to it, a two-thirds majority will be required.<\/p>\n

10:20 AM<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

The President of the General Assembly Dennis Francis has taken his seat and gavelled the special session to order. The Jordanian ambassador is making a point of order.<\/p>\n

He’s calling for the suspension of the debate at 3 PM today, to initiate \u201cimmediate action\u201d on their resolution.<\/p>\n

10:06 AM<\/strong><\/p>\n

Delegates are gathering in the gilded General Assembly Hall for a long day ahead.<\/p>\n

A dozen of the 110 speakers due to take the floor spoke on Thursday and\u00a0we\u2019ll continue coverage here on Friday for day two from 10 AM New York time<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The emergency session is expected to vote on a Jordanian-backed draft resolution on the crisis, which among others calls for an \u201cimmediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce\u201d, all parties comply with international law, and continuous and unhindered aid into the Gaza Strip.<\/p>\n

Venezuela is expected to take the floor first first on Friday, followed by Jamaica. Qatar, Egypt and the United States are also expected to be among the early speakers.<\/p>\n

DAY 2<\/h2>\n

09:00 AM<\/strong><\/p>\n

The draft resolution<\/h3>\n

The Jordanian-led draft resolution on the crisis is expected to be put to a vote at the end of the emergency session which may extend beyond Friday. It has the backing of over 40 Member States, including Egypt, Oman and UAE.<\/p>\n

Key issues in the draft include calls for an \u201cimmediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce\u201d, as well as \u201cdemands\u201d that all parties comply with international humanitarian law and for \u201ccontinuous, sufficient and unhindered\u201d provision of essential supplies and services into the Gaza Strip.<\/p>\n

It also calls for the \u201cimmediate and unconditional release\u201d of all civilians held captive as well as demanding their safety, well-being and humane treatment in compliance with international law.<\/p>\n

An amendment has been proposed by Canada that \u201cunequivocally rejects and condemns the terrorist attacks by Hamas\u201d in Israel starting 7 October and the taking of hostages.<\/p>\n

Draft resolutions do not represent the official position of the General Assembly until adopted.<\/p>\n

Voting at the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ General Assembly<\/h3>\n

At the General Assembly, the 193 Member States\u00a0each have one vote<\/a>, and in contrast with the Security Council, there are no vetoes.<\/p>\n

Decisions of the Assembly on important questions are made by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting. These questions include: recommendations with respect to the maintenance of international peace and security, or other subjects defined under\u00a0rule 83<\/a>\u00a0of the\u00a0General Assembly Rules of Procedures<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Decisions on questions other than those provided for in\u00a0rule 83<\/a>, including the determination of additional categories of questions to be decided by a two-thirds majority, are made by a majority of the members present and voting.<\/p>\n

The phrase \u201cmembers present and voting\u201d\u00a0means<\/a>\u00a0members casting an affirmative or negative vote. Members which abstain from voting are considered as not voting.<\/p>\n

Permanent Observers of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ, the Holy See and the State of Palestine do not have a say in decisions of the General Assembly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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DAY 1 HIGHLIGHTS<\/h2>\n
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