UN General Assembly expected to vote on Gaza ceasefire following US veto
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The 193-member United Nations General Assembly is anticipated to vote on a draft resolution on Tuesday, seeking an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
This decision follows the U.S. veto of a UN Security Council demand for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza last Friday.
In October, the General Assembly had previously passed a resolution, with 121 votes in favor, 14 against, and 44 abstentions, urging for "an immediate, durable, and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Sunday, urged Hamas militants to surrender, proclaiming that their end was approaching as the conflict in the Gaza Strip persisted even after more than two months since its onset.
"The war is ongoing, but it marks the beginning of the end for Hamas. To the terrorists, I say it's finished. Don't sacrifice yourselves for (Yahya) Sinwar. Surrender immediately," Netanyahu stated in reference to the chief of Hamas in Gaza.
Netanyahu claimed that in recent days, several Hamas fighters had surrendered to Israeli forces. However, there has been no evidence provided by the military to support these claims, and militants have refuted such assertions.
Israel has responded with a sustained military offensive, resulting in widespread destruction in Gaza and the loss of at least 17,997 lives, primarily women and children.
The anticipated vote in the General Assembly on a ceasefire resolution highlights the international community's concern and efforts to halt the ongoing conflict and seek a resolution through humanitarian means.