Headline30. Oct. 2023
With 120 votes in favor and 14 against, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on Friday calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip. Israel and the United States voted against the resolution, which also calls for the release of civilians held captive on Israeli territory, while 45 member countries, including Canada, abstained. In addition, some countries, including South Africa, called on the United Nations to take more action to stop the bloodshed.
Mathu Joyini: “South Africa urges the United Nations to impose an arms embargo on all parties involved in this conflict, given the type of death and destruction we witness every day.”
Although the resolution is not binding, it carries political and symbolic weight.