In a powerful display of international consensus, the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday adopted a resolution demanding an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, marking what observers see as a sweeping global rebuke of Israel’s ongoing military campaign.

The resolution passed overwhelmingly with 149 countries, including Germany, backing the measure. Only 12 countries—including the United States and Israel—voted against, while 19 abstained. Though nonbinding, the vote carries significant symbolic weight and highlights the growing global outrage over the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza.

The resolution, which also calls for the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid and the release of all hostages held by Hamas, underscores mounting international frustration over Israel's conduct in the conflict. It also reiterates the need for accountability and for Israel to abide by its obligations under international law.

Spain’s U.N. envoy Hector Gomez Hernandez, speaking ahead of the vote, urged all member states to support the draft resolution, framing it as a “robust message” of solidarity with the victims in Gaza and a necessary step toward de-escalation.

The vote comes against a backdrop of relentless violence. Since October 2023, Israel’s genocidal war has killed at least 55,207 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. After a brief ceasefire and prisoner exchange in January, Israeli forces resumed large-scale operations on March 18, resulting in nearly 5,000 additional deaths and more than 15,000 injuries in less than three months.