UN vs US: Gaza aid resolution sparks diplomatic tensions

The United States has sharply criticised the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for passing what it described as another biased and unserious resolution concerning the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

According to Washington, the action once again highlights what it sees as the UN’s long-standing anti-Israel bias, rather than a genuine commitment to meaningful diplomacy and lasting peace.

On Friday, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution demanding that Israel allow unrestricted, lifesaving humanitarian assistance into the Gaza Strip.

The resolution also endorsed an advisory opinion earlier issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The resolution was adopted with 139 countries voting in favour, 12 voting against, and 19 abstaining.

This vote aligned with the ICJ’s advisory opinion issued on October 22, in which the court stated that Israel has an obligation under international law to ensure that the basic needs of civilians in Gaza, including food, water, medical care, and shelter, are adequately met.

A panel of 11 ICJ judges further urged Israel to support and facilitate relief efforts carried out by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), alongside other international humanitarian organisations and third-party states providing assistance to Gaza.

ICJ President Yuji Iwasawa noted that