What's happened
On June 13, 2025, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. The resolution passed with 149 votes in favor, despite opposition from the US and Israel. This vote reflects ongoing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights:
- The UN General Assembly's resolution is non-binding but serves as a significant indicator of global sentiment regarding the Gaza conflict.
- The US's veto in the Security Council last week highlights its contentious role in Middle Eastern politics, particularly in supporting Israel.
- Israel's lobbying against the resolution underscores its concerns about international perceptions and the implications for its military strategy.
Implications:
- The overwhelming support for the resolution may pressure Israel to reconsider its military tactics and humanitarian policies in Gaza.
- The ongoing humanitarian crisis, with reports of famine risks, will likely continue to draw international scrutiny and calls for action.
- The resolution's demands for the release of hostages and withdrawal of forces may complicate negotiations, as both sides have entrenched positions.
Future Outlook:
- The upcoming UN conference aimed at reviving the two-state solution will be critical in shaping future diplomatic efforts. The US's warning against attending may isolate it further in international discussions.
- Continued violence and humanitarian issues in Gaza will keep the region in the global spotlight, influencing international relations and aid efforts.
What the papers say
The resolution was adopted by the UN General Assembly with 149 votes in favor, as reported by Michelle Nichols in The Japan Times. The New Arab highlighted the US's veto in the Security Council and Israel's lobbying efforts against the resolution, calling it a 'politically motivated, counterproductive charade.' The Times of Israel noted that previous UN resolutions have been ignored, emphasizing the significance of this vote as a reflection of global opinion. AP News and The Independent both reported on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with experts warning of widespread hunger and potential famine if the blockade continues.
How we got here
The resolution follows a prolonged military conflict that began after Hamas's attack on Israel in October 2023. Previous UN resolutions calling for ceasefires have been largely ignored, and the humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated significantly, with widespread hunger and casualties reported.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of the UN vote?
- How has the US responded to the resolution?
- What is the current humanitarian situation in Gaza?
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More on these topics
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Gaza most commonly refers to:
Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea
Gaza City, a city in the Gaza Strip
Gaza may also refer to:
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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The United Nations General Assembly is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, serving as the main deliberative, policy-making, and representative organ of the UN.
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.