The United Nations General Assembly on Friday adopted a draft resolution demanding that Israel immediately allow full, unhindered humanitarian access to the besieged Gaza Strip, where millions of Palestinians continue to face starvation, displacement, and relentless bombardment.

The resolution — introduced by Norway along with more than a dozen supporting states — received overwhelming approval: 139 votes in favor, 12 against, and 19 abstentions, underscoring the growing international outrage at Israel’s obstruction of humanitarian aid and violations of international law.

The move comes in direct response to the recent International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion, which reaffirmed that Israel, as the occupying power and as a UN member state, is legally obligated to ensure the flow of humanitarian assistance and to protect Palestinian civilians under its control.

Norway’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Merete Fjeld Brattested, warned that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached a catastrophic point.

“Civilians are paying the highest price. Respect for humanitarian principles is eroding. The most fundamental tenets of humanitarian law are under pressure,” she said, highlighting the urgency of international action as famine continues to spread through northern Gaza and medical facilities collapse under Israeli siege.

The resolution also strongly criticizes Israel’s recent raid on the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) headquarters in occupied East Jerusalem — an unprecedented violation of UN sanctity that further fueled international condemnation. The text calls on Israel to immediately respect the inviolability of UN premises and cease all acts of intimidation against humanitarian staff working to assist Palestinian refugees.

Diplomats noted that the overwhelming support for the resolution reflects the world’s growing frustration with Israel’s refusal to comply with its legal obligations amid one of the most devastating humanitarian crises in modern history. Over 2 million Palestinians in Gaza remain trapped without adequate food, water, or medical care, as aid convoys continue to face restrictions, delays, and denial of entry.

Human rights advocates say the General Assembly’s vote serves as a renewed moral indictment of Israel’s conduct in Gaza — and a reminder that the international community will not remain silent as Palestinians face starvation and collective punishment.

With the ICJ opinion now on record and global support mounting, pressure is increasing on Israel to heed international law, end its blockade-driven suffering of Palestinians, and allow life-saving aid to reach Gaza without obstruction. (ILKHA)