The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a resolution yesterday by a vote of 158-9, calling for an unconditional ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The non-binding document calls for “an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire,” and urges “the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.” The action was taken in response to the U.S. vetoing a similar resolution in the Security Council in November, 14-1.
Nevertheless, U.S. Ambassador Robert Wood called the resolution “shameful and wrong…. At a time when Hamas is feeling isolated due to the ceasefire in Lebanon, the draft resolution on a ceasefire in Gaza risks sending a dangerous message to Hamas that there’s no need to negotiate or release the hostages.”
