Tubas: The UN General Assembly adopted a draft resolution on Friday demanding that Israel allow full humanitarian access into the Gaza Strip, respect the inviolability of UN premises, and comply with its obligations under international law.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the resolution responds to the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) recent advisory opinion outlining Israel's obligations as both an "occupying power" and a UN member state. The resolution, submitted by Norway and more than 12 other states, received support from 139 countries, with 12 voting against and 19 abstaining.
Norway's Permanent Representative Ambassador Merete Fjeld Brattested warned before the vote that "2024 was among the most violent years in three decades. 2025 has followed suit. There are a few signs that this trajectory will ease in the year ahead. The situation in occupied Palestine is a particular point in mind." She emphasized that civilians are bearing the brunt of the situation and highlighted the erosion of respect for humanitarian principles and tenets of humanitarian law.
Brattested also addressed recent incidents underscoring the urgency of the ICJ's findings, including Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' condemnation of Israel's "unauthorized entry" into UNRWA's Sheikh Jarrah compound. She called on all member states to support the resolution, reiterating the importance of respecting the inviolability of United Nations premises.
In a related development, Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), praised the overwhelming vote by the General Assembly to renew UNRWA's mandate for three years. He shared his thoughts on X, noting that the vote reflected broad global solidarity with Palestine Refugees and acknowledged the international community's responsibility to support their humanitarian and human development needs.
Lazzarini highlighted the need for the vote to translate into genuine commitment and resources to ensure UNRWA's mandate is fulfilled. He urged Member States to continue supporting UNRWA's efforts to address the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza and expand its critical public health and education services.