The Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, Ambassador Riyad Mansour, welcomed the overwhelming adoption by the UN General Assembly of a resolution calling on Israel, the occupying power, to immediately allow humanitarian aid and guarantee essential services in the Gaza Strip.
Mansour said the vote reflects the international community’s continued support for the Palestinian people in the face of Israel’s ongoing war of extermination.
Mansour expressed pride that Palestine was among the sponsors of the resolution, which secured sweeping backing from UN member states.
He stressed that the decision underscores the world’s commitment to ensuring humanitarian relief for Palestinians, while reaffirming the role of the United Nations and its agencies—including UNRWA—in fulfilling their mandates toward the Palestinian people, including refugees, until a just and comprehensive solution is achieved that guarantees the right of return and self-determination.
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The resolution, entitled “Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on Israel’s Obligations Regarding the Presence and Activities of the United Nations, Other International Organizations, and Third States in the Occupied Palestinian Territory”, was introduced by Norway and a group of states.
It welcomes the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice on October 22, 2025, and calls on Israel to comply fully with its obligations under international law as the occupying power and as a UN member state.
The measure passed with 139 votes in favor, including support from European Union member states, while 12 opposed and 19 abstained.
The resolution explicitly condemns Israel’s obstruction of humanitarian aid into Gaza, which has driven conditions to the brink of famine.
It affirms that Israel is prohibited under international law from restricting humanitarian assistance and the activities of the United Nations and other states that contribute to alleviating Palestinian suffering.
It also stresses Israel’s obligation to respect UN institutions and to protect humanitarian workers operating in the territory.
Broader Context:
- Humanitarian crisis: UN agencies have repeatedly warned that Gaza faces “unprecedented levels of starvation,” with hundreds of thousands displaced and deprived of food, water, and medical care.
- Legal weight: The ICJ advisory opinion strengthens the legal basis for holding Israel accountable under international law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention.
- Diplomatic isolation: The vote highlights Israel’s growing isolation, as major blocs—including the EU, Arab states, and much of the Global South—aligned behind the demand for humanitarian access.
- UNRWA’s role: Despite funding cuts and political attacks, UNRWA remains central to providing education, healthcare, and relief services to millions of Palestinian refugees across the region.
