Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations

Condemnatory

Yes

Analysis

• While the resolution is directed at all parties, it is deemed condemnatory towards Israel because it demands a ceasefire without conditioning that upon Hamas laying down its arms and releasing the hostages. The resolution separately demands release of the hostages, but this is not connected to the ceasefire demand. A ceasefire that fails to achieve these goals (disarming Hamas and releasing hostages) only enables further Hamas terrorism and undermines peace in the long run. Moreover, by failing to name Hamas and to condemn its October 7th atrocities and by directing its demands equally at both sides, the resolution creates a false moral equivalence between Hamas' intentional crimes and Israel's response in self-defense. It also implies that Hamas' atrocities were somehow justified as part of an ongoing conflict in which both sides equally commit violations.

Main Sponsors

Arab Group

Vote

Yes - 153, No - 10, Abstain - 23, Absent - 7

See Full Vote

Key Praise

None

Key Criticism

• "Expressing grave concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the suffering of the Palestinian civilian population, and emphasizing that the Palestinian and Israeli civilian populations must be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law."
• "Demands an immediate humanitarian ceasefire."
• "Reiterates its demand that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians."
• "Demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access."