Hamas says ‘welcomes’ UN General Assembly vote for Gaza ceasefire

AFP | Doha, Qatar

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Palestinian group Hamas said yesterday it welcomed a UN General Assembly vote for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, a symbolic gesture rejected by the United States and Israel.

Hamas said in a statement it “welcomes the adoption of the UN General Assembly resolution, supported by 158 countries, demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, enabling civilians in the (Gaza) Strip to have immediate access to essential services and humanitarian aid.”

The General Assembly adopted the resolution on Wednesday by 158 votes to nine with 13 abstentions.

It calls for “an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire,” and “the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages” -- wording similar to a text vetoed by Washington in the Security Council last month.