UN General Assembly Urges Full Humanitarian Access to Gaza

(MENAFN) The UN General Assembly approved a draft resolution on Friday urging Israel to permit complete humanitarian access into the Gaza Strip, uphold the sanctity of UN facilities, and fulfill its duties under international law.

This resolution comes in reaction to the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) recent advisory opinion, which detailed Israel’s responsibilities both as an "occupying power" and as a UN member state.

The proposal, initiated by Norway along with over a dozen other nations, gained backing from 139 countries, while 12 opposed it and 19 chose to abstain.

Ahead of the vote, Norway's Permanent Representative, Ambassador Merete Fjeld Brattested, cautioned that "2024 was among the most violent years in three decades. 2025 has followed suit. There are a few signs that this trajectory will ease in the year ahead. The situation in occupied Palestine is a particular point in mind."

Brattested emphasized the toll on civilians, stating that "Civilians are paying the highest price. Respect for humanitarian principles is eroding. The most fundamental tenets of humanitarian law are under pressure."

She highlighted that ICJ advisory proceedings act as an essential mechanism to clarify legal obligations.

She further reminded that member states had sought guidance "on fundamental issues pertaining to the provision of life-saving humanitarian assistance to the civilian population in Palestine."

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