The UN passes a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza – as Israel launches an “unprecedented” airstrike against Hamas

The United Nations has overwhelmingly called for a humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and Hamas amid an increasing and “unprecedented” Israeli bombing campaign against the Gaza Strip.

The United Nations General Assembly in New York voted 120-14 on Friday to adopt the non-binding resolution, calling for an “immediate, permanent and lasting humanitarian ceasefire leading to a cessation of hostilities” in the bloodiest conflict between Hamas and Israel since decades.

The resolution, on which 45 states abstained, also called for the “immediate and unconditional release of all civilians held illegally” but did not name Hamas as the kidnapper.

The General Assembly also “strongly rejects any attempts at forced relocation of the Palestinian civilian population.”

The resolution infuriated Israel, with its U.N. envoy Gilad Erdan accusing the international community of supporting “Nazi terrorists,” referring to Hamas.

The United Nations General Assembly voted 120-14 on Friday to adopt the non-binding resolution

Israel launched an intensified bombing campaign against the Gaza Strip this evening

Hamas sent back a “barrel of rockets,” but the damage caused is currently unknown

Israel has increased its bombing raids on Gaza

He said the international body had neither legitimacy nor relevance, adding that the only way to destroy Hamas was to “drive it out of its tunnels and destroy its underground city of terror.”

Those voting against the bill included Israel and the United States, which said today they support a pause in Israeli military operations in Gaza to provide humanitarian aid, fuel and electricity to the civilian population there.

White House spokesman John Kirby said Friday that if the removal of hostages from Gaza requires a local temporary pause, the United States would support it.

He added: “We do not draw any red lines for Israel.” We will continue to support them.

“From the beginning, we have had conversations about how they do this and will continue to do so.”

The successful bill was accompanied by a failed Canadian-backed amendment that would have included a rejection and condemnation of “Hamas terrorist attacks… and hostage-taking.”

He failed to achieve the required two-thirds majority, instead receiving 88 votes in favour, 55 against and 23 abstentions.

Israel and the United Nations have clashed since the deadly Hamas attacks on October 7th.

IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari (pictured) said at a press conference today: “In the last few hours we have increased attacks in Gaza.” “The air force is carrying out significant attacks on underground targets and terrorist infrastructure.”

Hamas accused Israel of increasing its rocket attacks to “carry out massacres with bloody retaliatory strikes from the air, land and sea.”

Gaza was bombarded continuously for almost three weeks

This week it stopped issuing visas to U.N. officials after outraged comments by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that Israel should share blame for the deadly Oct. 7 attacks.

Erdan told Israeli media at the time: “Based on his statements, we will refuse to issue visas to UN representatives.”

“We have already refused a visa to Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths. “It is time to teach them a lesson.”

Because of the comments, which Guterres said were taken out of context and misrepresented, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen canceled a meeting with him.

It was also reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to answer several calls from Guterres since the Hamas attack earlier this month.