UN Poised to Vote on Gaza Ceasefire, Hostage Release, and Humanitarian Access

UNITED NATIONS – June 12, 2025 — The United Nations General Assembly is set to vote Thursday on a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and the full reopening of Israeli border crossings to allow urgently needed humanitarian aid.

Drafted by Spain and seen by the Associated Press, the resolution comes amid mounting global pressure to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 2 million Palestinians face famine. The text also condemns the use of starvation as a weapon of war, a charge many experts and human rights advocates say is increasingly relevant as Israel continues its military campaign.

A Resolution with Broad Support — But Limited Power

Unlike the Security Council, the General Assembly doesn’t operate with veto power, meaning the resolution is widely expected to pass — and likely by a large margin. But it’s important to note: General Assembly resolutions are non-binding. While they don’t carry legal force, they are seen as a strong indicator of global sentiment.

This vote comes just one week after the U.N. Security Council failed to pass a similar resolution. The U.S. vetoed that effort, arguing it lacked a provision tying the ceasefire to the release of Israeli hostages. The other 14 members voted in favor.

Ongoing Aid Crisis: Not Enough, Not Safe

Israel imposed a total blockade on Gaza for 10 weeks, but has recently allowed limited food shipments through U.N. channels and a new U.S.-backed aid effort called the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. This new initiative has opened several distribution sites in central and southern Gaza, but the situation remains dire.

Humanitarian operations continue to face serious obstacles, including near-daily shootings at aid distribution points, Israeli restrictions, and general lawlessness. The long-established U.N. aid system has also struggled to function under current conditions.

Legal Pressure Mounts

The draft resolution references a March 28 order by the International Court of Justice, which legally obligated Israel to open more land crossings into Gaza to allow for the delivery of food, water, fuel, and medical supplies. The order came in response to a case filed by South Africa, which accused Israel of committing genocide — a charge Israel strongly denies.

The resolution also reaffirms Israel’s responsibility as an occupying power under international law to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches civilians in need.

Calls for Peace and a Two-State Solution

The text renews the U.N. General Assembly’s support for a two-state solution, emphasizing that Gaza should be part of a future Palestinian state. A high-level meeting on this issue is scheduled for next week, although Israel has repeatedly rejected the two-state proposal in its current form.

Meanwhile, the resolution also expresses support for ongoing mediation efforts led by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to revive a January ceasefire deal. The U.S. maintains that any ceasefire must reflect the “realities on the ground,” including guarantees for Israel’s security.

Controversy Over Hamas and the October 7 Attack

One notable omission in the resolution — like the failed Security Council version — is any explicit condemnation of Hamas’ deadly October 7, 2023 attack, which triggered the war. That assault killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and resulted in 251 hostages being taken, with around 55 still in captivity.

The U.S. has insisted that any path to peace must include disarmament and withdrawal of Hamas from Gaza — two points not mentioned in the current resolution.

Israel’s response has been devastating. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 55,000 Palestinians have been killed, the majority of them women and children. However, the Ministry does not separate civilians from militants in its count. Israel claims to have killed more than 20,000 militants, though it has not provided public evidence.