139 nations back UN General Assembly call for Israel to respect UN sites, international law
The draft resolution, introduced by Norway alongside more than a dozen other countries, was supported by 139 member states. 12 nations voted against it while 19 chose to abstain.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday approved a resolution calling on Israel to allow full humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip, respect the inviolability of UN sites, and uphold its obligations under international law.
The move follows a recent advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice outlining Israel’s responsibilities as both an occupying power and a UN member state.
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The draft resolution, introduced by Norway alongside more than a dozen other countries, was supported by 139 member states. 12 nations voted against it while 19 chose to abstain.
Norway’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Merete Fjeld Brattested, warned ahead of the vote 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 emphasised the heavy toll on civilians, noting 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 the ICJ advisory proceedings aim to clarify legal responsibilities and ensure that life-saving humanitarian aid reaches the Palestinian population.
She also cited recent incidents underlining the urgency of enforcing the Court’s guidance, referencing Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ criticism of Israel’s "unauthorised entry" into the UNRWA compound in Sheikh Jarrah.
As stated by the secretary-general, this is in clear violation of Israel's obligations to respect the inviolability of United Nations premises," Brattested said, urging member states to support the resolution.
Ahead of the vote, the United States opposed the measure.
US envoy Jeff Bartos described it as an example of how the General Assembly "continues its decades-long pattern of unfairly targeting Israel", despite President Donald Trump’s peace agreement and the historic adoption of Security Council resolution 2803.
Bartos called the text "performative" and warned that it would "only show division and impede peace".
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