The United Nations General Assembly will vote Thursday on a resolution demanding an “immediate, unconditional and permanent” ceasefire in Gaza, directly challenging U.S. and Israeli opposition and signaling mounting global pressure amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Vote Proceeds After US Veto at Security Council

The vote follows Washington’s recent veto of a similar Security Council resolution that called for a ceasefire and unfettered humanitarian access. With no veto power in the 193-member General Assembly, the new draft is expected to pass with overwhelming support.

Israel has lobbied heavily against the measure, calling it a “counter-productive charade.” Nonetheless, diplomats expect the vote to reflect widespread frustration with the war’s toll.

Resolution Targets Both Sides, But Israel Rejects It

The draft resolution calls for:

• An end to Israeli military operations and full withdrawal from Gaza.
• Immediate release of hostages held by Hamas.
• Return of Palestinian detainees held by Israel.
• Unhindered humanitarian aid access.It also strongly condemns “starvation as a method of warfare” and the denial of essential aid, accusing Israel of willfully obstructing relief access.

Israel’s UN ambassador Danny Danon slammed the text as “false and defamatory,” saying it undermines hostage negotiations and fails to condemn Hamas.

US Warns Allies Against Support

The Biden administration urged allies not to attend next week’s UN conference on Israeli-Palestinian peace, warning that “anti-Israel actions” could trigger diplomatic consequences. Despite this, more than 150 countries previously backed ceasefire demands in December 2023, showing deepening isolation of the US-Israeli stance.

Gaza Toll Continues to Climb

The war, sparked by Hamas’s October 7 attack that killed 1,200 in Israel and led to 250 hostage abductions, has now resulted in more than 54,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health officials. UN agencies warn of famine and report mass casualties, especially among civilians.