Sri Lanka Among 149 Nations Backing Gaza Ceasefire at UN

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka joined 148 other nations in voting in favor of a United Nations General Assembly resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional, and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, as the humanitarian crisis in the region continues to escalate.

The resolution was adopted during an emergency session held on Thursday (12) at the UN Headquarters in New York. It comes in the wake of the UN Security Council’s failure to pass a similar measure last week, which was blocked by a veto from the United States.

In total, 149 countries supported the resolution, while 12 voted against and 19 abstained.

The United States and Israel were among those opposing the measure, joined by countries including Argentina, Hungary, and Paraguay.

Notably, India, Georgia, Ecuador, Romania, and Ethiopia abstained from the vote.

Key elements of the resolution:

• Ceasefire: Calls for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire by all parties.

• Hostages: Demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other armed groups.

• Implementation: Urges the full and immediate implementation of Security Council resolution 2735 (2024), including the ceasefire, hostage and prisoner exchanges, return of displaced persons, and withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

• International law: Reaffirms that all parties must uphold international humanitarian and human rights law, with particular attention to civilian protection and accountability for violations.

• Starvation as a weapon: Strongly condemns the use of starvation and the denial of aid as tactics of war.

• Humanitarian access: Demands the full, safe and unimpeded delivery of aid – including food, medicine, water, shelter and fuel – throughout Gaza.

• Detention practices: Calls for the humane treatment and release of those arbitrarily detained, and the return of remains

• ICJ advisory opinion: Recalls the request for an urgent advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on Israel’s obligations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

• End of blockade: Demands Israel immediately lift the blockade on Gaza and open all border crossings for aid deliveries.

• Accountability: Urges Member States to take necessary steps to ensure Israel complies with its international legal obligations.

• UN and humanitarian personnel: Calls for full respect for the work and immunity of UN staff and humanitarian workers.

• Protection of aid workers: Urges both humanitarian and UN bodies to ensure the safety of their personnel.

• Medical neutrality: Underscores the duty to protect medical workers, health facilities, and transport routes.