UN General Assembly adopts resolution on Israel

The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution demanding an immediate, comprehensive, and lasting ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of hostages.

The United Nations (UN) General Assembly has adopted a resolution reiterating support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and calling on Israel to fulfill its international obligations.

The resolution, submitted by Palestine, was adopted by the 193-member UN General Assembly with 159 votes in favor, 9 against, and 11 abstentions.

The resolution emphasizes that the UN General Assembly reiterates its full support for all operations conducted by UNRWA for Palestinian refugees, particularly in its areas of operation in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the occupied Palestinian territories.

The resolution, which condemns the law passed by the Israeli Parliament on October 28, calls on "the Israeli government to act in accordance with its international obligations, to respect the privileges and immunities of UNRWA, and to fulfill the necessary responsibilities to ensure full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip."

The resolution once again emphasizes the necessity of the continuation of UNRWA's activities and the importance of maintaining the Agency's services without hindrance, while pointing to the indispensable role UNRWA plays in improving the situation of the 6 million Palestinian refugees registered with the Agency and ensuring stability in the region at a time of increasing conflict and instability in the Middle East.

The resolution, which underscores that UNRWA is the backbone of all humanitarian aid operations in Gaza, states that no other organization can fulfill UNRWA's capacity and mandate.

The resolution condemns the violation of the immunity of UN facilities, the violations that disrupt UNRWA operations, and the failure to protect UN personnel, facilities, and assets.

The resolution calls on all parties to act in full compliance with the relevant resolutions adopted by the UN General Assembly to enable UNRWA to fulfill its mandate, and demands that Israel not impose any obstacles or restrictions on the Agency's operations in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, particularly in East Jerusalem, to ensure they continue unhindered.

The resolution strongly condemns any attempt to terminate or disrupt UNRWA's mandate or operations, warning that the cessation of the Agency's work would have dire humanitarian consequences for millions of Palestinian refugees and could negatively affect the region.

The resolution emphasizes the need for compensation in accordance with international law for the losses and damages suffered by UNRWA in the occupied Palestinian territories, and requests the Secretary-General to make the necessary assessments in this regard.

The resolution appreciates the efforts made by donors and host countries in the face of the Agency's unprecedented financial crisis, and calls for an urgent solution to overcome the Agency's financial and operational crises.

The resolution, which calls on member states and organizations to provide voluntary contributions to UNRWA, support funding agreements, and increase their contributions, states: "We draw attention to the importance of the support UNRWA has provided to Palestinian refugees for 75 years and its contributions to regional stability, and emphasize that the Agency's place in this process cannot be filled. Furthermore, all states and UN bodies must cooperate to ensure that UNRWA can effectively carry out its duties in all areas of operation."

News Source: 12punto