Palestinians with animal-drawn carts collect water from a water desalination plant, amid water shortages, as the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas continues, in central Gaza Strip October 27, 2023. REUTERS/Mohammed Fayq Abu Mostafa Acquire Licensing Rights
UNITED NATIONS, Oct 27 (Reuters) – The United Nations General Assembly on Friday overwhelmingly called for an immediate humanitarian truce between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas and demanded aid access to the besieged Gaza Strip and protection of civilians.
The resolution drafted by Arab states is not binding but carries political weight, taking the global temperature as Israel steps up ground operations in Gaza in retaliation for the worst Hamas attack on civilians in Israel’s 75-year-old history on Oct. 7.
It passed with 120 votes in favor, while 45 abstained and 14 – including Israel and the United States – voted no. The General Assembly voted after the Security Council failed four times in the past two weeks to take action.
Reporting by Michelle Nichols
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