UN General Assembly adopts draft resolution calling on Israel to end Gaza aid restrictions

The UN General Assembly adopted a draft resolution on Friday demanding that Israel allow full humanitarian access into the Gaza Strip.

The draft resolution also calls on Israel to respect UN premises, following a raid on the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugee's office in occupied East Jerusalem. 

The resolution was submitted by Norway and more than 12 other states. 139 countries voted in favour and 12 against, with 19 abstaining.

The resolution responds to the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) recent advisory opinion outlining Israel's obligations as both an "occupying power" and a UN member state.

The resolution, submitted by Norway and more than 12 other states, received support from 139 countries, with 12 voting against and 19 abstaining.

"Civilians are paying the highest price. Respect for humanitarian principles is eroding. The most fundamental tenets of humanitarian law are under pressure," Norway's Permanent Representative Ambassador Merete Fjeld Brattested said. 

She added that the resolution reaffirms the International Court of Justice's recent advisory opinion that outlines Israel's obligations to provide aid as an "occupying power" and a UN member state.