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UN General Assembly to Vote on New Gaza 'Immediate Ceasefire' Draft at Security Council

President of the UN General Assembly, Dennis Francis, delivers a speech in the General Hall (AP)
President of the UN General Assembly, Dennis Francis, delivers a speech in the General Hall (AP)
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UN General Assembly to Vote on New Gaza 'Immediate Ceasefire' Draft at Security Council

President of the UN General Assembly, Dennis Francis, delivers a speech in the General Hall (AP)
President of the UN General Assembly, Dennis Francis, delivers a speech in the General Hall (AP)

The UN General Assembly is expected to vote Friday on a draft resolution submitted by the Arab group to demand an "immediate and unconditional ceasefire" in Gaza and the delivery of humanitarian aid to more than two million civilians in the enclave, predicted diplomats.

The ten non-permanent members of the Security Council began preparing a draft resolution concerning the war after the most powerful UN body charged with maintaining international peace and security failed to take an effective position.

Despite 20 days of war and thousands of deaths and injuries, diplomats sought to use all available means to intervene.

Jordan has tabled a draft resolution to be voted on at the Emergency Special Session (ESS) on behalf of the Arab Group.

The draft text calls for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access.

Palestinian delegate Riyad Mansour announced on Wednesday that the General Assembly is expected to vote on the draft resolution on Friday afternoon, hoping it would allow the General Assembly to work while the Security Council remains paralyzed.

The Security Council failed again Wednesday to address the Israeli-Hamas war in Gaza, rejecting the US and Russian resolutions.

The council is the UN's most powerful body, charged with maintaining international peace and security, but its divisions have left it impotent and scrambling to find a resolution with acceptable language.

The resolution prepared by the US, Israel's closest ally, would stress Israel's right to self-defense, urge respect for international laws, and call for humanitarian pauses to deliver aid to Gaza.

On Wednesday evening, Russia and China used their veto power against the US project, knowing it received support from ten countries. The UAE rejected the resolution, while Brazil and Mozambique abstained.

The Russian draft resolution, which was also put to a vote, called for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" and unequivocally condemns the attacks of Oct. 7 and the "indiscriminate attacks" on civilians and civilian targets in Gaza.

In that vote, four countries voted in favor – Russia, China, the UAE, and Gabon. The United States and the UK voted against it, and nine countries abstained.

The resolution wasn't adopted because it failed to get the minimum nine "yes" votes.

The failure of the two resolutions followed the council's rejections last week of a Russian resolution that didn't mention Hamas and also failed to get nine "yes" votes and a widely supported Brazilian resolution vetoed by the US that would have condemned the Hamas attacks and all violence against civilians and called for "humanitarian pauses."

Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia justified the veto by saying that the US draft resolution could be interpreted as the Security Council's support for Israel's plans to start a ground operation in Gaza.

Nebenzia warned that Israel's prospective forceful operation in Gaza carried out in the current manner and with gross violations of human laws and massive loss of civilian life, risks provoking a larger conflict that could encompass the entire region and even go beyond its borders.

Whereas the Chinese delegate Zhang Jun said the US draft resolution was "out of balance" and "deeply divisive" on the urgent issue of ending the fighting.

He called it "evasive on the most urgent issue of ending the fighting," saying it does not reflect the world's strongest calls for a ceasefire or an end to the fighting and does not help resolve the issue.

"At this moment, ceasefire is not just a diplomatic term. It means the life and death of many civilians."

After the double veto, the US ambassador, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, told the 15-member council that Washington was deeply disappointed that Russia and China vetoed this resolution.

"Though today's vote was a setback, we must not be deterred."

Also, US representative Robert Wood said that the "bad faith resolution" put forward by Russia lacked consensus and failed to reflect realities on the ground.

"It was regrettable that Moscow chose to further divide the Council rather than address the needs of Israel and Palestine," he added.

British delegate Barbara Woodward said the US draft would have had a tangible impact on the ground by calling for humanitarian pauses and the hostages' release.

She added that the British delegation voted against Russia's text as it failed to recognize Israel's right to self-defense.

The deep divisions in the Security Council caused frustration among several diplomats.

A diplomat said France tried vainly to persuade Russia and the US to withdraw their texts before referring them to a vote.

Meanwhile, the UAE Ambassador, Lana Nusseibeh, said the UN and humanitarian organizations have made clear that what is essential is a humanitarian ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and sustained humanitarian access to Gaza.

Nusseibeh said there were "dozens of statements imploring this council to assign the same value to Palestinian life as it does to Israeli life," adding: "We cannot allow any equivocation on this point."

In response, Israel's UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan thanked the US and other nations that supported its resolution for condemning "savage genocidal terrorists while standing up for the values of freedom and security."

He denounced those who voted against the resolution, saying they showed the world the Security Council is incapable of condemning "terrorists and cannot confirm the right to self-defense of the victim of these heinous crimes."

After the failure of the US and Russian drafts, Malta's UN Ambassador Vanessa Frazier, speaking on behalf of the ten elected council members serving two-year terms, announced they would be working on a new proposal in the coming days.

"As elected members of this council, we also represent the rest of the international community, and we have a duty and an obligation to act," Frazier told the council. "There is no time to waste."

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Arab World

Cargo Ship Hit in Strait of Hormuz, Crew Evacuating

The Callisto tanker sits anchored as the traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Muscat, Oman, March 10, 2026. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
The Callisto tanker sits anchored as the traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Muscat, Oman, March 10, 2026. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
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Cargo Ship Hit in Strait of Hormuz, Crew Evacuating

The Callisto tanker sits anchored as the traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Muscat, Oman, March 10, 2026. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
The Callisto tanker sits anchored as the traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Muscat, Oman, March 10, 2026. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

A projectile hit a cargo ship Wednesday in the Strait of Hormuz, setting the vessel ablaze after the United States targeted Iranian minelaying vessels that could target the narrow mouth of the Arabian Gulf.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center, run by the British military, said the vessel had been hit just north of Oman in the strait.

"It has been reported that a cargo vessel has been hit by an unknown projectile in the Straits of Hormuz which has resulted in a fire onboard," the security agency said.

It added that the crew was evacuating the ship.

US President Donald Trump said in social media posts there were no reports of Iran planting explosives in the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world’s oil is shipped.

The US said it took out more than a dozen minelaying Iranian vessels Tuesday to help prevent any attempt to close the waterway.

Iran's vow not to allow any oil through the strategic strait has led to market volatility and fears of shortages, especially in Asia, which is dependent on oil shipped from the region.

Some tankers, believed linked to Iran, are continuing to get through the Strait of Hormuz.

Some of the ships getting through are so-called “dark” transits, meaning they aren’t turning on their Automatic Identification System tracks, which show where vessels are.

Vessels carrying sanctioned Iranian crude often turn off their AIS trackers.

The security firm Neptune P2P Group said Wednesday that seven ships had passed through the strait since March 8. Of those, five were linked to Iranian-associated shipping, it said.

The commodity-tracking firm Kpler said Iran has restarted crude exports through its Jask oil terminal on the Gulf of Oman.

A tanker loaded roughly 2 million barrels at Jask on March 7, the firm said.

Arab World

Iraqi Judiciary Signals Action Against Factions Over Embassy Attacks

Members of Kataeb Hezbollah attend the funeral in Baghdad of comrades killed in a strike on the Syrian border (file photo – Reuters)
Members of Kataeb Hezbollah attend the funeral in Baghdad of comrades killed in a strike on the Syrian border (file photo – Reuters)
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Iraqi Judiciary Signals Action Against Factions Over Embassy Attacks

Members of Kataeb Hezbollah attend the funeral in Baghdad of comrades killed in a strike on the Syrian border (file photo – Reuters)
Members of Kataeb Hezbollah attend the funeral in Baghdad of comrades killed in a strike on the Syrian border (file photo – Reuters)

Pro-Iran factions are facing possible prosecution and conviction by Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council, as US strikes continue to target their positions in areas suspected of launching attacks on diplomatic missions and American interests in the Kurdistan region.

On Monday evening, an attack targeted the United Arab Emirates consulate and Erbil airport near a US base, according to videos and eyewitnesses, while the Iraqi government is moving toward announcing the names of those responsible after attempts to halt the attacks, which have continued for about a week, failed.

A drone struck the UAE consulate in the Mass City area on the road linking Erbil with the Salahaddin district, without causing any reported damage.

Condemnations

Iraq’s foreign ministry on Tuesday condemned attacks targeting diplomatic missions and consulates in Baghdad and the Kurdistan region, reaffirming its rejection of any assault on diplomatic missions and saying the competent authorities would take legal action against those involved.

In a statement, the ministry said Iraq’s position was firm in rejecting any attacks against diplomatic and consular missions and stressed its commitment to providing full protection to ensure they can continue operating and carrying out their duties in a safe environment, in line with relevant international obligations.

The ministry added that Iraqi authorities were closely monitoring any incidents affecting diplomatic missions and would take the necessary legal measures against those responsible to safeguard their security and prevent such attacks from recurring.

The UAE also condemned the drone attack on its consulate in the Kurdistan region, saying the targeting of diplomatic missions and premises constituted a violation of international norms and laws.

It called on the governments in Baghdad and Erbil to reveal the circumstances of the attack and hold those responsible accountable.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry on Tuesday expressed solidarity with the UAE and likewise condemned the targeting of the Emirati consulate general in the Kurdistan region, saying the attack violated international norms and laws and stressing the need to respect the sanctity of diplomatic mission buildings.

Judicial measures

In a later development, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met on Tuesday with Faiq Zaidan, head of Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council, to discuss “judicial and legal measures taken against the perpetrators of terrorist crimes represented by attacks on diplomatic missions, institutions and citizens in Iraq,” according to a statement.

It is one of the rare occasions in Iraq when firm positions are voiced against the conduct of the factions, while observers note that the targeting of diplomatic missions could turn into a judicial case leading to trials of members and leaders of these Iran-aligned groups.

However, observers doubt the government’s ability to confront the Iran-backed armed factions that continue launching rockets and drones at various sites across Iraq. Many of the attacks have focused on the Kurdistan region, which has been hit by more than 200 strikes targeting various locations, infrastructure and foreign consulates.

The group known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq said on Tuesday it had carried out 37 military operations within the past 24 hours inside Iraq and elsewhere in the region.

As the attacks persist, reliable sources say the failure of attempts to curb the factions may push the Iraqi government to “expose the groups involved in the attacks by name,” according to Iraqi officials cited by sources.

The government of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, whose term is ending, is facing local, regional and international pressure to rein in the armed groups. Authorities have shown little capacity to act effectively and often limit their responses to mere condemnations, placing the government in an embarrassing position before citizens and the international community.

On Sunday, Bafel Talabani, leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party, presented Baghdad with what he said was a list of names of some of the armed groups attacking the region, though federal authorities have yet to take serious action.

The US Consulate General in Erbil confirmed on Tuesday that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke by phone with al-Sudani.

It said Rubio strongly condemned the terrorist attacks carried out by Iran and terrorist militias allied with it in Iraq, including the Kurdistan region, referring to attacks targeting US diplomatic missions and facilities in Iraq and the Kurdistan region.

Both sides stressed the importance of the Iraqi government taking all necessary measures to protect US personnel and diplomatic facilities.

“Deep state”

Kifah Mahmoud, media adviser to Masoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, said he doubted the federal government’s ability to confront the armed factions.

“What is strange about these attacks is that the government forms investigation committees involving parliament and security agencies — most of them from influential Shiite forces — then they investigate and identify those responsible, but they do not announce the results or take any action against them,” Mahmoud told Asharq Al-Awsat.

Mahmoud said Iraqi actors may be deliberately covering up the results of investigations or are too weak to hold the perpetrators accountable.

“It is difficult to hold these groups accountable because they form a deep state that possesses all the means necessary to practice its terrorism against the state and its legitimate institutions,” he said.

Kidnapping risk

Meanwhile, the US embassy in Baghdad warned American citizens in Iraq on Tuesday of rising security risks, saying they face threats including kidnapping and attacks targeting US citizens and their interests, and urging them to leave the country when conditions permit.

In a security alert, the embassy said Iran and armed groups loyal to it continue to pose a serious threat to public security, urging US citizens to exercise caution, avoid drawing attention to themselves and stay away from locations associated with the US or where Americans gather.

The alert said previous attacks had targeted American citizens and interests in Iraq, warning that US nationals face kidnapping risks. US companies, hotels frequented by foreigners and other facilities linked to the United States have also been attacked in the past.

The embassy added that citizens who choose to remain in Iraq should be prepared to shelter in place for extended periods and ensure they have food, water, medicines and other essential supplies.

Arab World

Israel Strikes Apartment Building in Central Beirut

Emergency services inspect the damage after an Israeli strike targeted an apartment at a building in the Aisha Bakkar neighborhood, Beirut, Lebanon, 11 March 2026. (EPA)
Emergency services inspect the damage after an Israeli strike targeted an apartment at a building in the Aisha Bakkar neighborhood, Beirut, Lebanon, 11 March 2026. (EPA)
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Israel Strikes Apartment Building in Central Beirut

Emergency services inspect the damage after an Israeli strike targeted an apartment at a building in the Aisha Bakkar neighborhood, Beirut, Lebanon, 11 March 2026. (EPA)
Emergency services inspect the damage after an Israeli strike targeted an apartment at a building in the Aisha Bakkar neighborhood, Beirut, Lebanon, 11 March 2026. (EPA)

An Israeli strike hit an apartment in central Beirut on Wednesday, state media reported, the second targeting of the heart of the Lebanese capital since the latest war with Iran-backed group Hezbollah broke out. 

Israeli media said the strike targeted an office used by the Jamaa Islamiya group that has ties with Hezbollah. They said four people were killed and four others wounded. 

Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war last week when Hezbollah attacked Israel in response to the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes. 

Israel, which kept up strikes targeting Hezbollah despite a 2024 ceasefire, has since launched attacks across Lebanon and sent ground troops into border areas. 

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) said that "the enemy targeted an apartment in the Aisha Bakkar area" in central Beirut, a densely populated neighborhood close to one of the city's biggest shopping malls. 

AFPTV's live broadcast showed the sound of an airstrike followed by a fireball erupting in an apartment within a multi-story residential building in Beirut. 

An AFP correspondent saw destroyed walls in a building's seventh and eighth floors with damaged cars nearby and security forces present at the scene. 

Last week the Israeli army targeted a hotel in central Beirut, with Iran's permanent mission to the United Nations saying it killed four of its diplomats. 

- Southern suburbs - 

Earlier on Wednesday, the NNA reported an Israeli strike on Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah holds sway. 

The Israeli military had said in a statement it "has begun strikes against Hezbollah infrastructure" in the area. 

It reiterated on Tuesday its call for residents to evacuate the southern suburbs before launching strikes. 

Hezbollah said in separate statements on Tuesday that its fighters had attacked Israeli troops near the southern border towns of Khiam and Odaisseh, and launched rockets at Israel including at a "missile defense site" south of Haifa. 

It later said it was engaging an Israeli force near the border town of Aitaroun "with light and medium weapons". 

Lebanese authorities said Tuesday that 759,300 people had been registered as displaced, with 122,600 staying in shelters. 

The health ministry on Wednesday said that "successive raids launched by the Israeli enemy" on the southern town of Qana, Tyre district, killed five people and wounded five others. 

In Hennawiyeh, Tyre district, the ministry said the night prior that an Israeli strike wounded two people, and a follow-up attack killed them, along with a rescuer who came to the scene. 

A strike on Zalaya in the southeast killed one, per the ministry.