UN member states voted overwhelmingly for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and unrestricted access for the delivery of urgently needed food to 2 million Palestinians, France 24 reported.

The vote in the 193-member General Assembly was 149-12, with 19 abstentions. The resolution was adopted with loud applause.

The resolution, drafted by Spain, “condemns categorically any use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare.”

Before the vote, Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon strongly opposed the resolution. He denied that Israel was using starvation as a weapon of war, calling the accusation “blood libel,” and announced that aid was being delivered according to plan.

However, experts and human rights activists warn that hunger is widespread in Gaza and that around 2 million Palestinians are at risk of starvation if Israel does not completely lift the blockade and end its military campaign, which it resumed in March after the ceasefire with Hamas ended. | BGNES