NEW YORK, December 12, 2025 (WAFA) - The UN General Assembly adopted a draft resolution on Friday demanding that Israel allow full humanitarian access into the Gaza Strip, respect the inviolability of UN premises, and comply with its obligations under international law.
The resolution responds to the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) recent advisory opinion outlining Israel's obligations as both an "occupying power" and a UN member state.
The resolution, submitted by Norway and more than 12 other states, received support from 139 countries, with 12 voting against and 19 abstaining.
Norway's Permanent Representative Ambassador Merete Fjeld Brattested warned before the vote that "2024 was among the most violent years in three decades. 2025 has followed suit. There are a few signs that this trajectory will ease in the year ahead. The situation in occupied Palestine is a particular point in mind."
"Civilians are paying the highest price. Respect for humanitarian principles is eroding. The most fundamental tenets of humanitarian law are under pressure," Brattested said, stressing that advisory proceedings before the ICJ serve as a tool to clarify legal responsibilities.
She recalled that member states had sought clarity "on fundamental issues pertaining to the provision of life-saving humanitarian assistance to the civilian population in Palestine."
Brattested also mentioned recent incidents that highlight the urgency of the Court's findings, citing Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' condemnation of Israel's "unauthorized entry" into UNRWA's Sheikh Jarrah compound.
"As stated by the secretary-general, this is in clear violation of Israel's obligations to respect the inviolability of United Nations premises," she said, urging all member states to back the resolution.
In the meantime, Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), saluted the overwhelming vote by the General Assembly to renew UNRWA's mandate for three years.
In a post on X, he said, “It reflects the broad solidarity of people across the world with Palestine Refugees.”
“It is also an acknowledgement of the international community’s responsibility to support the humanitarian and human development needs of Palestine Refugees pending a just and lasting solution to their decades-long plight.”
"This vote is an important sign of support for UNRWA from the overwhelming majority of the international community," he said.
He added: “The vote needs now to be translated into a genuine commitment and matching resources to ensure the mandate is fulfilled.”
“As the [the International Court of Justice] ICJ stressed, UNRWA is the key humanitarian actor in the occupied Palestinian territory, and everything must be done to facilitate our work, not hinder or prevent it.”
He urged Member States to continue supporting UNRWA efforts to respond to the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza and expand its critical public health and education services.
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