The U.N. General Assembly passed a resolution on Friday demanding that Israel submit to a “sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities.” Resolutions adopted by the body are non-binding but cited as a reflection of global opinion. With a vote of 120 countries for it, 14 against, and 44 abstaining, this one is already being cited as an authoritative decision that puts the U.S., Israel, and the other No votes on the wrong side of history.
The document actually reflects one of the most egregious forms of the U.N.’s enduring anti-Israel bias and provides cover for Hamas terrorism.
Before the final vote on Friday afternoon, countries voted down an amendment offered by Canada to condemn the October 7 Hamas massacre. The 47-word draft amendment stated that the General Assembly “unequivocally rejects and condemns the terrorist attacks by Hamas that took place in Israel starting on 7 October 2023 and the taking of hostages, demands the safety, well-being and humane treatment of the hostages in compliance with international law, and calls for their immediate and unconditional release.” The final vote on the amendment was 88 for and 55 against, with 23 abstentions (more countries supported than opposed it, but it failed to meet the necessary threshold for approval).
To put a fine point on it: The U.N. General Assembly deliberately chose not to condemn the methodical mass murder of civilians, including 33 Americans. NR readers know that this sort of depravity is often on display at the U.N., where violence against Israelis is routinely shrugged off — and where Hamas has not been designated a terrorist group. But Friday’s vote took it to another level.