• UN General Assembly votes 149-12 to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
• Resolution calls for the release of all hostages held by Hamas and unrestricted humanitarian aid access.
• Palestinian Ambassador emphasizes urgent global action to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.
• The newly formed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation faces criticism for failing to effectively deliver aid.
• Israel's envoy decries the resolution as politically motivated and damaging to peace efforts.

The UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly on June 12, 2025, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and unrestricted access for humanitarian aid essential for approximately 2 million Palestinians. The resolution was passed by a vote of 149 in favor, 12 against, and 19 abstentions, with the applause marking the end of the voting session. Drafted by Spain, the resolution also "strongly condemns any use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare," amidst a growing humanitarian crisis due to ongoing military actions.

During the assembly, Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour urged nations to transform their votes into "resolute action" against the ongoing catastrophe. He highlighted the dire circumstances faced by the civilians in Gaza, echoing sentiments that "the actions you take today... will determine how many more Palestinian children die a horrible death," according to Le Monde and Africanews.

In direct response to previous actions taken by the UN Security Council, which failed to pass a similar resolution due to a veto from the United States, the General Assembly's resolution places direct pressure on Israel, insisting it lift the blockade and allow aid to reach Palestinian civilians. This was articulated in the wording that demands Israel, the occupying Power, "immediately end the blockade," stressing its obligations under international law, as reported by South China Morning Post, Dawn, and Africanews.

Israel's envoy condemned the resolution as a "political stunt" that failed to meet the realities on the ground, claiming it would only embolden groups like Hamas. He further stated that the resolution does not address security concerns regarding hostages taken during the conflict's escalation which began with the October 7, 2023 attack, highlighting a lack of balance in the UN's approach, noted by both Le Monde and South China Morning Post.

The humanitarian aid deliveries in Gaza have been complicated by strict restrictions. The recently formed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), supported by the US, has come under scrutiny for not effectively meeting the aid needs of the population. Organizations including the UN have refused cooperation due to concerns about its alignment with military objectives, leading to criticism over its efficacy, as stated by Dawn and Africanews.