Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations

Condemnatory

Yes

Analysis

• This biased resolution strongly condemns Israel while mentioning Hamas only once in connection with a demand for the release of the hostages. It "strongly condemns" Israel for its purported "starvation of civilians as a method of war," demands that it "immediately end the blockade," and defends UNRWA as the "backbone of the humanitarian response" in Gaza.
• While some of the condemnations and demands are directed at "all parties," the failure to directly condemn Hamas for its violations against Palestinians in Gaza, including confiscating and selling incoming humanitarian aid, attacking Gazans attempting to access aid, and endangering civilians by operating in civilian areas, confirms that Israel is the main target of this resolution.
• The resolution also fully endorses all of the proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
• Moreover, it is adopted as part of the Tenth Emergency Special Session against Israel, further confirming that it is condemnatory towards Israel.

Main Sponsors

Spain, Palestine

Vote

Yes - 149, No - 12, Abstain - 19, Absent - 13

See Full Vote

Key Praise

None

Key Criticism

• "Strongly deploring the end of the ceasefire and the decision of the Israeli Government, since 2 March 2025, to block access to humanitarian aid, including life - saving supplies, notably food, medicine, fuel and cooking gas, for over 2 million people…"
• "Expressing deep alarm at the number of humanitarian workers killed in the Gaza Strip, including personnel of the United Nations, the majority of them staff of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East."
• "Demands an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire, to be respected by all parties."
• "Recalls its demand for the immediate, dignified and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups."
• "Strongly condemns any use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare and the unlawful denial of humanitarian access…"
• "Stresses that an occupying Power is obliged under international law to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches all the population in need, and demands the immediate and permanent facilitation of full, rapid, safe and unhindered entry of humanitarian assistance at scale…"
• "Recalls its decision, in its resolution 79/232 of 19 December 2024, to request the International Court of Justice, on a priority basis and with the utmost urgency, to render an advisory opinion on the obligations of Israel, as an occupying Power and as a member of the United Nations, in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations…"
• "Demands that Israel, the occupying Power, immediately end the blockade, open all border crossings and ensure that aid reaches the Palestinian civilian population throughout the Gaza Strip immediately and at scale…"
• "Stresses the need for accountability in order to ensure Israel’s respect of international law obligations, and in this regard calls upon all Member States to individually and collectively take all measures necessary, in line with international law and the Charter of the United Nations, to ensure compliance by Israel with its obligations."
• "Underscores that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East remains the backbone of the humanitarian response in the Gaza Strip, rejects actions that undermine the implementation of the mandate of the Agency…"