New York, 12 December 2024 (dpa/MIA) - The UN General Assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution calling for an "immediate, unconditional and permanent" ceasefire in Gaza, coupled with the release of hostages being held in the region.

A total of 158 member states voted in favour of the draft, with nine countries voting against the ceasefire resolution – including the United States and Israel - while 13 countries abstained. Two European countries, the Czech Republic and Hungary, voted against the resolution.

UN General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, and are considered symbolic. Last year, the body had already passed two similar resolutions. However, this resolution stands out, with clearer language and more forceful demands.

The General Assembly in New York also approved a resolution supporting the mandate of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

A total of 159 countries voted in favour, nine countries voted against, and 11 countries abstained. No European country voted against it.

UNRWA is the main humanitarian aid provider in the Gaza Strip. However, Israel accuses the agency of having been infiltrated by the Palestinian militant organization Hamas and says several UNRWA employees were involved in the attacks on October 7, 2023. The agency faces a looming Israeli ban on its operations.

Both resolutions received the necessary two-thirds majority for approval.

MIA file photo