The UN Human Rights Council recently adopted Draft resolution A/HRC/55/L.30, reiterating the call for an immediate ceasefire and further calling for embargos and prevention of the supply of weapons to Israel. The voting saw 28 votes in favor, six against, and 13 abstentions. The emphasis of the resolution was that member states cease the sale, transfer, and diversion of arms, munitions, and other military equipment to Israel to help prevent further violations of international humanitarian law and abuses of human rights.
Human Rights Chief Volker Turk underscored the violations of human rights and international law committed by both Hamas and Israel. Israel was opposed to the resolution, citing that it was biased and ‘Anti-Israel.’
The UN continues to express concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Deputy High Commissioner Nada Al-Nashif referred to the unfolding situation as an ‘ongoing Nakba’ during the Conference of civil society organizations working on the question of Palestine held recently. He drew attention to the growing civilian casualties, which include aid and humanitarian workers.
“As of March 20, at least 196 humanitarians, including at least 175 UN workers, had been killed in the Occupied Palestinian Territory since October 2023. Israel’s bombardment has flattened entire residential areas, and the large-scale destruction of critical civilian infrastructure has rendered many parts of Gaza effectively uninhabitable,” Al-Nashif noted.
Several nations, including the US, Canada, Germany and the UK, face increasing pressure to halt the supply of arms to Israel in light of the ongoing crisis.