UN General Assembly votes by a large majority in favor of ceasefire in Gaza Strip
At the instigation of Egypt and Mauritania, the UN General Assembly convened for a special session on the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. The draft resolution calls for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" and the "immediate and unconditional release of all hostages". It also expresses "grave concern" about the "catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip".
Hamas attacked Israel on October 7 and carried out the worst attack on the country since the founding of the state 75 years ago. Israel responded by bombing targets in the Gaza Strip and launching a ground offensive and announced that it would destroy Hamas.
The Federal Foreign Office announced Germany's abstention on the online service X, formerly Twitter, on the grounds that the current draft of the resolution concealed Hamas' "barbaric" attack on Israel and "at least implicitly" questioned Israel's right to "defend itself against this Hamas terror". The ministry also rejected a "no", referring to "the suffering of the Palestinians" and the release of the remaining hostages. Germany is committed to "humanitarian pauses", it said.
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- Despite Germany's abstention, the un-general assembly voted with a large majority for the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, following the special meeting.
- The resolution was proposed by Egypt and Mauritania, aiming to address the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.
- The draft resolution calls for an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" in the Gaza Strip.
- The large majority vote in favor of the ceasefire was a significant move, as it indicated a strong international stance against the ongoing conflict.
- The resolution expressed "grave concern" about the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, which has been plagued by violence for months.
- Germany chose to abstain from the vote, citing concerns about the current draft of the resolution, which they felt concealed Hamas' barbaric attack on Israel.
- Nevertheless, Germany remains committed to "humanitarian pauses" in the region, expressing concern for both Israeli security and the suffering of the Palestinians.
- In the wake of the resolution, Egypt and Mauritania recognized the need for a "fire break" in the ongoing tensions between Israel and the Gaza Strip, urging all parties to adhere to the ceasefire.
Source: www.stern.de
