The United States found itself increasingly isolated on the global stage as a decisive vote took place at the UN General Assembly, urging an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. The atmosphere in the assembly chamber was filled with cheers and applause as the emergency vote results were announced. Of the 193 member states, 153 backed the resolution, while only 10, including the US, Israel, and Austria, voted against it, and 23, including the UK and Germany, abstained.
This overwhelming support marked a significant shift from a previous resolution on October 27, which garnered 120 votes in favor, 14 against, and 45 abstentions. The international community’s growing consensus emphasizes the urgent need to halt Israel’s continuous bombardment of Gaza, resulting in a devastating toll with over 18,000 Palestinians dead, including a reported 70% being women and children.
The adopted resolution expressed “grave concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the suffering of the Palestinian civilian population.” It called for the protection of both Israeli and Palestinian civilians under international law and the immediate release of all hostages.
Notably, a similar resolution proposed at the UN Security Council was vetoed by the US last Friday, underscoring the Biden administration’s increasing isolation. President Biden’s unwavering support for Israel, particularly following the October 7 Hamas attack that claimed nearly 1,200 lives, has left him exposed on the international stage.
Before the vote, there were indications that President Biden might be shifting towards a more critical stance on Israel. During a 2024 re-election campaign fundraiser in Washington, he cautioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about losing international support for the war on Hamas—an issue that now poses a diplomatic challenge for Biden himself.
Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian envoy to the UN, emphasized the significance of the vote as an expression of global sentiment that the US cannot afford to ignore. Egypt, co-sponsoring the resolution, warned of potential full-fledged catastrophe if military actions in Gaza persist.
As the US delegation faced a world largely united against its stance, the attempt to strike a balance was evident. The US ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, stressed Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism while urging restraint to avoid mass displacement of civilians in Gaza and ensure humanitarian assistance for those affected.