The United Nations General Assembly has overwhelmingly called for an immediate humanitarian truce between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas, demanding 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.
and the taking of hostages” but it failed to get the two-thirds majority needed, garnering 88 votes in favour, 55 against and 23 abstentions. Australia’s UN representative, Ambassador James Larsen, explained his reason for abstaining from the vote was because Canada’s amendment did not pass. “We agree with the central proposition, that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire and human suffering is widespread and unacceptable,” he said.