Norway’s early call for an end to Israel’s attacks on Gaza won lots more support at the UN this week, when an overwhelming majority voted in favour of a new resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire. All the other Nordic countries also backed a cease-fire, along with another 148 around the world.
When the voting was over, 153 of 193 UN countries backed the cease-fire resolution. Only 10 countries voted against it, including Israel itself and its most important ally and benefactor, the US. Another 23 countries abstained, but since the US vetoed a similar resolution at the UN Security Council, the majority-approved resolution carries no power other than sending a strong signal to Israel.
Norway was among the first to publicly claim that Israel has “gone too far” with its revenge against the brutal October 7 attacks by Hamas that launched the war between Israel and the radical Palestinian organization. Norway fully supported Israel’s right to defend itself, but has been highly critical of Israel’s incessant bombing og Gaza and the resulting deaths of thousands of Palestinian civilians.
NewsinEnglish.no staff
