A UN resolution calling for a “humanitarian truce” in Gaza has been scornfully rejected by Israel, which has vowed to keep defending itself.
A humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was demanded by the UN General Assembly in a resounding majority.
The UN, according to Israeli UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan, has “not even one ounce of legitimacy or relevance” anymore.
While opposing the resolution, the US has demanded a “humanitarian pause” in Israeli military activity in Gaza.
The Israeli military announced on Friday that it was growing its operations as it stepped up its strikes in the Gaza Strip.
Forces have “increased the attacks in Gaza,” according to spokesman Daniel Hagari. The Air Force conducts extensive attacks on underground targets and terrorist infrastructure.”
Since the 7 October Hamas attack, Israel has been bombing Gaza.
On Friday, the United Nations General Assembly voted in favor of an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.
There were 120 yes votes, 14 no votes, and 45 abstentions.
The resolution put forward by Jordan on behalf of the Arab group also condemns all acts of violence against Palestinian and Israeli civilians, including all “terror and indiscriminate attacks”.
The vote is not legally binding, but carries moral weight due to the universality of the UN’s membership.
Israel’s Ambassador Erdan called it “a dark day for the UN and for mankind,” vowing his country would use “every means” in fighting Hamas.
The US would support breaks in fighting to help hostages get out of Gaza and to allow more aid in.
The White House has not commented on the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) announcement that Israel is expanding its ground operations into Gaza.
The Health Ministry in Gaza says over 7,000 people have been killed since Israel’s retaliatory bombing began. There is now a critical shortage of essential services, thousands have fled their homes and the infrastructure has been heavily damaged.
Among international leaders calling for a ceasefire was France’s President Emmanuel Macron.
Speaking before Israel said it was increasing its attacks in Gaza, he said he had told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli President Isaac Herzog that the population of Gaza must be protected.
Macron said “the complete blockade, the indiscriminate bombardment and even more the prospect of a massive ground operation” posed significant risks for the civilian population in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Jordan warned the outcome of what it called a “ground war” would be a humanitarian catastrophe.
