United Nations General Assembly Urges Implementation of "Every Available Method" to Exert Pressure on Israel
In the wake of the U.S. veto at the UN Security Council, the UN General Assembly called for a drastic halt in the hostilities in Gaza and urged "every conceivable action" to pressure Israel towards adherence to international law.
The resolution, passed by 149 votes to favor, 12 against (including Israel and the United States), and 19 abstentions, requested a comprehensive international response to the ongoing crisis in Gaza, invoking the Uniting for Peace framework.
The General Assembly resolution emphasizes the immediate necessity of an unconditional, permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and underscores the importance of accountability to ensure Israel respects international legal obligations. This particularly pertains to the delivery of humanitarian aid—food, medical supplies, fuel, equipment, shelter, and access to clean water—to all Palestinians in Gaza, coordinated with the United Nations. The resolution also demands that Israel lifts blockades that obstruct humanitarian aid and cease hostilities that endanger civilian lives in Gaza.
The phrase "all necessary measures" in this General Assembly context signifies diplomatic, political, and economic efforts by UN member states to coerce Israel into obeying international law. Such efforts can encompass sanctions, diplomatic ostracism, and support for humanitarian aid delivery mechanisms.
In essence, the "all necessary measures" comprise:
- Pressing countries to implement decisive actions to influence Israel's behavior,
- Guaranteeing immediate and unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza,
- Demanding an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire,
- Seeking accountability to guarantee Israel honors international law,
- Applying political and diplomatic pressure through international collaboration and collective action in the absence of Security Council enforcement due to the U.S. veto.
In brief, this resolution represents the international community's unified call for a multifaceted reaction to uphold international law and safeguard civilian lives amid the blockade and ongoing violence.
- In line with the General Assembly resolution, various countries should exercise "all necessary measures" to enforce Israel's adherence to international law, including diplomatic, political, and economic sanctions, as well as supporting humanitarian aid delivery mechanisms.
- Furthermore, the international community, through collective action, should apply political and diplomatic pressure on Israel to guarantee an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, ensure immediate and unrestricted humanitarian access, and seek accountability for respecting international legal obligations.
