UN Calls for Arms Embargo on Israel, Urges Action to Prevent Genocide

Gaza (Quds News Network)- The UN Human Rights Council has condemned Israel’s renewed assault on Gaza and urged it to prevent genocide. The council adopted a resolution on Wednesday with 27 votes in favor, four against, and 16 abstentions.

The resolution demands that Israel lifts its blockade on Gaza, allows unrestricted humanitarian aid into the strip, restores essential services for Palestinians, and stops the forced displacement of civilians.

It also denounces the use of starvation as a weapon of war and expresses concern over statements by Israeli officials that amount to incitement to genocide. The council urged all nations to halt military aid to Israel.

Israel resumed intense bombing on March 18, followed by ground incursions, ending a ceasefire that began on January 19. The renewed attacks have killed over 1,100 Palestinians and wounded more than 2,500, mostly women and children.

Israel rejected the UN resolution and dismissed accusations of genocide. It has also refused to cooperate with the UN’s investigation into war crimes committed in the war.

The UN’s relief agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) stated that Israel has repeatedly crossed red lines in Gaza. Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini confirmed that an Israeli strike hit an UNRWA building in Jabalia, which was sheltering over 700 displaced people.

Lazzarini called the attack a violation of international law and demanded an independent investigation. He stressed that families had nowhere else to go, even after the strike.

The resolution also calls on the UN General Assembly to consider forming a new team to investigate war crimes in Gaza. Meanwhile, some countries, including Germany and the Czech Republic, opposed the resolution, citing what they called a “lack of balance”.