U.N. General Assembly Approves Resolutions Calling for Ceasefire in Gaza and Support for Palestinian Refugee Agency

The U.N. General Assembly has overwhelmingly approved two resolutions calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and expressing support for the U.N. agency dedicated to Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA. The votes were 158-9 with 13 abstentions for the ceasefire and 159-9 with 11 abstentions for backing UNRWA. While these resolutions are not legally binding, they reflect global opinion and emphasize the widespread call for an end to the 14-month war between Israel and the militant Hamas group. Israel and the United States were among the few nations voting against the measures.

In a related development, Israeli forces withdrew from the town of Khiam in southern Lebanon, handing control back to the Lebanese army under coordination with U.N. peacekeepers. This marks a significant step in the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah militants. The Lebanese army deployed units around the town following the withdrawal, signaling the first major pullout of Israeli forces from a Lebanese border town captured during recent conflicts.

Despite the ceasefire taking effect on November 27, sporadic violence continues, with Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killing at least 28 people since then. However, the truce appears to be holding, as the Israeli military and Hezbollah navigate a fragile peace.