The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday overwhelmingly demanded an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in the war in Gaza and aid access, after the United States vetoed a similar effort in the Security Council last week.

UN member states on Friday voted overwhelmingly in favour of a Spanish-drafted resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages and full access to deliver aid to 2 million Palestinians at risk of famine.

The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday overwhelmingly backed a resolution calling for an immediate, unconditional, and lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, with 149 countries including Germany voting in favour.