Selangor Journal
A total of 120 countries voted in support of the resolution calling for immediate and sustained humanitarian truce in the Middle East during an Emergency Special Session of the United National General Assembly on October 27, 2023. — Picture via X/UNITED NATIONS

UNGA adopts resolution for immediate truce, humanitarian aid in Gaza

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 — The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday adopted a resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian truce and unhindered provision of essential supplies and services into the Gaza Strip.

The voting during the tenth Emergency Special Session of the assembly saw the Jordanian led resolution adopted by the assembly, with 120 votes in favour, 14 against and 45 abstentions.

Jordan, in making a point of order at the onset of the meeting, called for the suspension of the debate at 3pm Friday (New York time) to initiate “immediate action” on the draft resolution and the deliberations to continue after that. 

However, the meeting was adjourned for the vote at about 3.40pm.

The Jordanian-led draft resolution on the crisis had the initial backing of over 40 member states, including Egypt, Oman and UAE.

An amendment to the resolution was proposed by Canada that rejected and condemned Hamas for its actions against Israel but it failed to muster enough support. 

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

The resolution, among others, calls for an “immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce”, as well as demands that all parties comply with international humanitarian law and for “continuous, sufficient and unhindered” provision of essential supplies and services into the Gaza Strip.

The emergency session met on October 26 amid deadlock in the Security Council and the besieged enclave of Gaza growing increasingly dire.

— Bernama

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