The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), headed by Moroccan Diplomat Omar Zinber, urged a halt to all military shipments to “Israel,” expressing concerns over genocide in Gaza, where over 33,000 people have been slaughtered.
Morocco has been chairing the UNHRC since January 2024, through its Ambassador Omar Zniber, who earned 30 votes in favor out of 47.
The new resolution, approved by 28 of the council’s 47 members, with six against, and 13 abstentions, is the first for the UN human rights body against Israel’s onslaught on Gaza.
The resolution, proposed by Pakistan on behalf of all member nations of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) except Albania, also called for an “immediate ceasefire” and urgent humanitarian access and aid.
Before the vote, Palestinian Ambassador Ibrahim Mohammad Khraishi addressed the council, stating, “We need you all to wake up and stop this genocide, which has been televised around the world.”
Meirav Eilon Shahar, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, condemned the resolution as “a stain on the Human Rights Council and the UN as a whole.”
The strongly worded resolution called on other countries to “cease the sale, transfer, and diversion of arms, munitions, and other military equipment to Israel… to prevent further violations of international humanitarian law and violations and abuse of human rights.”
Despite admitting the tragic civilian death toll in Gaza, Washington, a vital ally, voted against the resolution, along with Germany, Argentina, Bulgaria, Malawi, and Paraguay.
The council’s resolution repeatedly referred to “Israel,” urging the state to end its occupation of Palestinian lands, immediately lift its siege on the Gaza Strip, and stop any other forms of collective punishment.
It urged states to intervene to end the continued forcible displacement of Palestinians from both inside and beyond Gaza. It also warned against major military operations in Rafah, located in the southern section of the densely populated Gaza Strip, where over one million civilians are seeking safety, highlighting the catastrophic humanitarian consequences.
The resolution also condemned the use of hunger technique against people as a form of warfare in Gaza, where the UN has warned of an impending famine.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock encouraged NATO associates to oppose a draft UN resolution asking for an urgent halt to military deliveries to “Israel”, according to media oulets.
The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported that 33,091 Palestinians have been killed since October 7.