NEW YORK: The U.N. General Assembly Friday adopted, by a large majority, a Jordanian-backed resolution, co-sponsored by Pakistan, calling for “an immediate, long term and sustained humanitarian truce” in Gaza leading to an end of hostilities in the current Israel-Palestine war. The Vote in the 193-member General Assembly was 120 in support to 14 oppose, with 45 abstentions, the Western media reported.
According to APP, before the process voting for the resolution, the General Assembly rejected an amendment by Canada that would have denounced Hamas by name for its assaults on Israel in which many Israelis were killed and about 200 taken hostage.
Gaza: Jordanian-led resolution, co-sponsored by Pakistan, calling for “immediate humanitarian truce”
The vote in support of the Canada’s amendment, supported by many Western states, was 88 in support to 55 against, with 23 abstentions. The amendment failed as two-third majority is needed. The opposition to the amendment of Canada was led by Pakistan’s envoy Munir Akram, who in a passionate speech, said it was one-sided as the Jordan’s resolution does not specifically name Israel, the occupying power, APP added.
There was no justification for naming the Palestinian group Hamas with denouncing Israel as well. Akram was of the view that the Canadians’ well-known advocacy for equity was missing in its amendment to the Jordanian text. He questioned why these dual standards. The Ambassador vigorously advocated the rights of Palestinians and said they (Palestinians) are human beings too. The people of Palestine have suffered under 50 years of occupation, Akram maintained.
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The resolution, which among others elements, calls on all sides comply with global law, and continuous and unimpeded help into the Gaza Strip. The resolution also “demands” that all parties comply with global humanitarian law and for “continuous, unhindered and sufficient” provision of essential services and supplies into the Gaza Strip. The resolution also calls the “unconditional and immediate release” of all civilians held captive as well as demanding their well-being, safety, and humane treatment in compliance with global law.
