United Nations General Assembly Resolution ES-10/21

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UN General Assembly Resolution ES-10/21
In favour  Against  Abstentions  Absent  Non member
Date	27 October 2023
Meeting no.	10th Emergency Special Session (continuation)
Code	A/RES/ES-10/21 (Document)
Subject	Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations.
Voting summary	121 voted for 14 voted against 44 abstained
Result	Adopted

United Nations General Assembly Resolution ES-10/21 is a resolution of the tenth emergency special session of the United Nations General Assembly relating to the Israel–Hamas war.

It called for an "immediate and sustained" humanitarian truce and cessation of hostilities, condemned "all acts of violence aimed at Palestinian and Israeli civilians" and "[d]emands that all parties immediately and fully comply with their obligations under international law".

The resolution was introduced by Jordan following four failed attempts at resolutions on humanitarian pauses and ceasefires in the U.N. Security Council. It was adopted on 27 October 2023 by a vote of 121 to 14, with 44 abstentions. ^[1]

Procedures and background

On October 17, 2023, a U.N. Security Council (UNSC) resolution calling for humanitarian access, safe evacuation of civilians, and release of hostages was proposed by Russia's U.N. delegation. It did not receive the required nine votes in the UNSC, only receiving four votes in favor, four votes against, and six abstaining. ^[2] On October 18, a Brazilian UNSC resolution calling for a ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries and including an explicit condemnation of Hamas actions against Israel, was vetoed. The U.S. delegation argued that since the resolution did not "mention Israel's right of self-defense," the U.S. was vetoing it. ^[3]

United Nations General Assembly Resolution ES-10/21 was introduced by Jordan on behalf of a group of Arab states following four failed attempts at resolutions on humanitarian pauses and ceasefires in the U.N. Security Council. ^[4] 21 other Arab countries worked on the resolution draft. ^{[5] [6] [7]} The resolution has 47 sponsoring states (shown in voting table below). ^{[8] [9]}

The Canadian U.N. delegation proposed an amendment to the resolution condemning Hamas. Although a majority of U.N. members supported this, the amendment fell short of the necessary two-thirds majority to be adopted, with a vote of 88 in favor, 55 against, and 23 abstentions. ^{[10] [11] [1]} The proposed amendment also condemned "the taking of hostages and...demanded the safety, well-being and humane treatment of those hostages." ^[1]

On October 25, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for a ceasefire, during a speech in which he stated that the attacks by Hamas "did not happen in a vacuum" and needed to be understood in the context of 56 years of Israel's "suffocating occupation" of Palestinians, further stating that "the grievances of the Palestinian people cannot justify the appalling attacks by Hamas. And those appalling attacks cannot justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people." ^{[12] [13]} Israel responded by saying it would ban UN representatives from Israel to "teach them a lesson", and called for the General-Secretary's resignation. ^{[14] [15]}

Voting record

Due to a technical fault in Iraq's electronic voting equipment, the result was initially incorrectly presented as 120 in favour. ^{[16] [17]}

In favour (121) 47 states sponsoring (marked †)	Abstaining (44)	Against (14)	Absent (14)
Afghanistan   Algeria   Andorra   Angola   Antigua and Barbuda   Argentina   Armenia   Azerbaijan †   Bahamas †   Bahrain †   Bangladesh †   Barbados   Belarus   Belgium   Belize †   Bhutan   Bolivia (Plurinational State of) †   Bosnia and Herzegovina   Botswana †   Brazil   Brunei Darussalam †   Central African Republic   Chad †   Chile   China †   Colombia   Comoros †   Congo   Costa Rica   Cote D'Ivoire   Cuba † Democratic People's Republic of Korea †   Democratic Republic of the Congo   Djibouti †   Dominica   Dominican Republic   Ecuador   Egypt †   El Salvador †   Equatorial Guinea   Eritrea   France   Gabon   Gambia (Republic of The) †   Ghana   Grenada   Guinea   Guinea-Bissau   Guyana   Honduras   Indonesia †   Iran (Islamic Republic of)   Iraq †   Ireland   Jordan †   Kazakhstan   Kenya   Kuwait †   Kyrgyzstan   Lao People's Democratic Republic   Lebanon †   Lesotho   Libya †   Liechtenstein   Luxembourg   Madagascar   Malawi   Malaysia †   Maldives †   Mali   Malta   Mauritania †   Mauritius   Mexico   Mongolia   Montenegro   Morocco †   Mozambique   Myanmar   Namibia †     Nepal   New Zealand   Nicaragua †   Niger   Nigeria   Norway   Oman †   Pakistan †   Peru   Portugal   Qatar †   Russian Federation †   Saint Kitts and Nevis   Saint Lucia   Saint Vincent and the Grenadines †   Saudi Arabia †   Senegal †   Sierra Leone   Singapore   Slovenia   Solomon Islands   Somalia †   South Africa †   Spain   Sri Lanka   Sudan †   Suriname    Switzerland   Syrian Arab Republic   Tajikistan   Thailand   Timor-Leste †   Trinidad and Tobago   Turkey †   Uganda †   United Arab Emirates †   United Republic of Tanzania   Uzbekistan   Viet Nam   Yemen †   Zimbabwe †	Albania   Australia   Bulgaria   Cabo Verde   Cameroon   Canada   Cyprus   Denmark   Estonia   Ethiopia   Finland   Georgia   Germany   Greece   Haiti   Iceland   India   Italy   Japan   Kiribati   Latvia   Lithuania   Monaco   Netherlands   North Macedonia   Palau   Panama   Philippines   Poland Republic of Korea   Republic of Moldova   Romania   San Marino   Serbia   Slovakia   South Sudan   Sweden   Tunisia   Tuvalu   Ukraine   United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland   Uruguay   Vanuatu   Zambia	Austria   Croatia   Czech Republic   Fiji   Guatemala   Hungary   Israel   Marshall Islands   Micronesia, Federated States of   Nauru   Papua New Guinea   Paraguay   Tonga   United States of America	Benin   Burkina Faso   Burundi   Cambodia   Eswatini (the Kingdom of)   Jamaica   Liberia   Rwanda   Samoa   São Tomé and Príncipe   Seychelles   Togo   Turkmenistan   Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) † [a]
Observer States:   Holy See and   State of Palestine †

Response

The Guardian reported that the US and Israel appeared isolated after only 12 countries joined them in opposing the motion, half of which were Pacific islands. ^[19] The Israeli representative to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, condemned the resolution, claiming that the UN "no longer holds even one ounce of legitimacy or relevance", ^[20] while U.S. representative Linda Thomas-Greenfield blasted the resolution as "outrageous". ^[21] In addition, the Olof Skoog, Permanent Observer for the European Union, regretted the use of vetoes against the U.N. Security Council resolution, the representatives of State of Palestine, Turkey, Qatar, Syria, Ghana, France, Russia, Iran, and Egypt noted their support of the resolution, while Jamaican representative Brian Christopher Manley Wallace called on all parties to end the conflict, and Venezuelan representative Joaquín Alberto Pérez Ayestarán, speaking on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the United Nations Charter, called on Israel to adhere to international law. ^{[1] [5]} In a statement explaining the reasoning behind their yes vote, the Swiss delegation noted that it condemned the Hamas attacks and was in favour of the Canadian amendment, but supported the resolution because it responded to the need of allowing humanitarian aid to people in Gaza. ^[22] The U.S. delegation also called the resolution "deeply flawed." ^[5] Tarek Ladeb, the Tunisian ambassador to the U.N., stated that Tunisia abstained on the resolution because it failed to denounce war crimes and genocide against Palestinians by Israeli forces. ^[23]

Other responses were mixed. Eli Cohen, the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated on Twitter that Israel "categorically reject[ed]" the resolution, and added, "Israel intends to eliminate Hamas just as the world dealt with the Nazis and ISIS." ^[10] Cohen also called the resolution "repugnant" and said that Israel "firmly rejects it." ^[24] The Czech Republic voted against the resolution, the country's ambassador to the U.N., Jakub Kulhánek, voting against it, arguing that the resolution did not condemn Hamas' actions, recognize Israeli right to self-defense, and did not include a "demand for the release of hostages." On social media, Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová stated that the Czech Republic should leave the United Nations, a view which was rejected by the country's Prime Minister (Petr Fiala), Foreign Minister (Jan Lipavský) and other cabinet officials. ^[25]

The Philippines abstained in the vote regarding the resolution despite supporting several points of the draft. It wanted explicit condemnation of Hamas' attack on 7 October. ^{[26] [27]} Australia also abstained due to the omission of Hamas in the draft as the perpetrator of the 7 October attacks. ^[28]

In a statement, Hamas expressed its support for the resolution and stated that it needed to be immediately implemented. ^[24] Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, religious affairs minister for Malaysia, argued that with the passage of the resolution, ceasefire can be achieved and humanitarian aid can "be given to the Palestinian people, especially in Gaza." In another statement, the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the government's support for the resolution. ^{[29] [30]} The Pakistani caretaker Foreign Minister, Jalil Abbas Jilani, called on the international community to pressure Israel to respect the "UN resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza." ^[31] A joint statement issued by Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Communist Party of India condemned India's decision to abstain on the resolution. The two political parties said it negated the country's support for Palestinian self-determination and argued that it indicated that the country's foreign policy was "shaped by being a subordinate ally of US imperialism." ^[32] Voreqe Bainimarama, former prime minister of Fiji and current leader of FijiFirst, criticized Fiji's vote against the resolution, stating it contradicted the country's "long-standing legacy as peacekeepers." ^[33] The Arab Parliament affirmed the resolution, and stated that "serious measures" to pressure Israel to comply with the resolution should be implemented. ^[34]

See also

• United Nations General Assembly Resolution ES-10/22
• United Nations General Assembly Resolution ES-10/23
• United Nations Security Council Resolution 2712

Notes

1. Venezuela was suspended from voting in the 76th session and the 11th emergency special session owing to its failure to pay dues in the previous two years, for which it did not receive a special waiver from the Assembly. ^[18]

References

1. "General Assembly Adopts Resolution Calling for Immediate, Sustained Humanitarian Truce Leading to Cessation of Hostilities between Israel, Hamas". United Nations. October 27, 2023. GA/12548. Archived from the original on October 28, 2023. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
2. "UN Security Council Fails to Adopt Draft Resolution for Gaza Ceasefire". Palestine Chronicle . October 17, 2023. Archived from the original on October 21, 2023. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
3. Singers, Bryan (October 18, 2023). "US vetoes Brazil UN resolution calling for Israel-Hamas ceasefire". Jurist . Archived from the original on October 28, 2023. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
4. Nichols, Michelle (28 October 2023). "UN overwhelmingly calls for aid truce between Israel and Hamas" . Reuters. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
5. John, Tara; Regan, Helen; Edwards, Christian; Kourdi, Eyad; Frater, James (October 28, 2023). "UN to vote on ceasefire resolution as Gazans say they have been 'left in the dark with no connection to the outside world'". CNN Philippines. Archived from the original on October 29, 2023. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
6. "Israel Angered over UN General Assembly Resolution Calling for Ceasefire in Gaza". Palestine Chronicle . October 28, 2023. Archived from the original on October 28, 2023. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
7. Regan, Helen; John, Tara; Picheta, Rob; Murphy, Paul P.; El Damanhoury, Kareem (October 27, 2023). "Israel vows more raids in Gaza as calls for ceasefire divide the United Nations". CNN. Archived from the original on October 29, 2023. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
8. "Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations : draft resolution". United Nations. 26 October 2023. A/ES-10/L.25. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
9. "Tenth emergency special session Agenda item 5 - Illegal Israeli actions in Occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory". United Nations. 26 October 2023. A/ES-10/L.25. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
10. Serohina, Kateryna (October 28, 2023). "UN adopted a resolution for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza". RBC Ukraine. Archived from the original on October 27, 2023.
11. Magid, Jacob (October 27, 2023). "UN resolution calling for immediate Gaza ceasefire passes with overwhelming majority". The Times of Israel . Archived from the original on October 29, 2023.
12. Carroll, Rory (October 25, 2023). "UN's António Guterres calls for immediate ceasefire to end 'epic suffering' in Gaza". The Guardian. Archived from the original on October 25, 2023. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
13. "Israel slams UN chief for saying Hamas attack 'did not happen in a vacuum,' calls for his resignation". Politico . October 24, 2023. Archived from the original on October 28, 2023. Retrieved October 26, 2023.
14. Wintour, Patrick (October 25, 2023). "Israel says it will ban UN staff after secretary general's comments". The Guardian . Archived from the original on October 29, 2023. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
15. Gritten, David (October 25, 2023). "Israel demands UN chief resign over Hamas attack comments". BBC News. Archived from the original on October 28, 2023. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
16. Naar, Ismaeel (28 October 2023). "Iraq blames 'technical fault' for Gaza ceasefire vote mix-up at UN General Assembly". The National. Abu Dhabi. Archived from the original on October 28, 2023. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
17. Nichols, Michelle (28 October 2023). "UN overwhelmingly calls for aid truce between Israel and Hamas". Reuters . Archived from the original on 28 October 2023. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
18. Guterres, António (27 February 2022). "Letter dated 27 February 2022 from the Secretary-General addressed to the President of the General Assembly". Archived from the original on 6 March 2022. Retrieved 12 October 2022.
19. "US looks isolated after opposing UN resolution on Gaza truce". The Guardian. 30 October 2023. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
20. "Israel angrily dismisses UN truce resolution on Gaza". BBC. 28 October 2023. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
21. "US envoy blasts Jordan's 'outrageous' draft UN resolution for failing to mention Hamas". The Times of Israel. 30 October 2023. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
22. "Switzerland backs UN resolution calling for ceasefire in Middle East". swissinfo.ch. October 29, 2023. Archived from the original on October 29, 2023.
23. "Gaza UN Resolution: Tunisia outlines motives behind abstention". Tunis Afrique Presse . October 28, 2023. Archived from the original on October 29, 2023. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
24. Rahmati, Fidel (October 28, 2023). "Hamas welcomes UN ceasefire resolution, Israel firmly rejects it". Khaama Press News Agency . Archived from the original on October 29, 2023. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
25. Lazarová, Daniela (October 29, 2023). "Czech PM rejects idea of Czechia withdrawing from UN". Radio Prague International. Archived from the original on 2023-10-29. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
26. Mateo, Janvic (29 October 2023). "Why Did The Philippines Refuse To Back UN Resolution On Gaza?". One News. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
27. Manahan, Job; de Santos, Jonathan (28 October 2023). "Why the Philippines abstained from UN call for humanitarian truce in Gaza". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
28. Beazley, Jordyn (28 October 2023). "Australia abstains from UN resolution calling for truce in Gaza, prompting criticism at home". The Guardian. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
29. "Malaysia welcomes UN resolution on Gaza ceasefire". Free Malaysia Today . October 28, 2023. Archived from the original on October 28, 2023. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
30. "Mohd Na'im: Govt welcomes UN General Assembly resolution on ceasefire in Gaza". Malay Mail . October 28, 2023. Archived from the original on October 29, 2023. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
31. "Pakistan urges world to exert pressure on Israel to respect UN resolutions". G News Network. October 29, 2023. Archived from the original on October 29, 2023. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
32. "Left 'shocked' as India abstains from voting on a UN resolution for truce in the Israel-Hamas war". The New Indian Express . October 28, 2023. Archived from the original on October 29, 2023. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
33. Kumar, Kreetika (October 29, 2023). "FijiFirst criticizes Fiji's vote against UN resolution". Fijian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on October 29, 2023. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
34. "UN Must Take Serious Measures To Implement Approved Gaza Ceasefire Resolution - Arab Parl". MENAFN. Kuwait News Agency. October 29, 2023. Archived from the original on October 29, 2023. Retrieved October 29, 2023.

Sources

• ES-10/21 on the United Nations Digital Library System website
• United Nations Digital Library Voting Data on ES-10/21

External links

• Full text of the A/ES-10/L.25 draft resolution