Lanka votes with 148 other countries demanding immediate ceasefire in Gaza

Sri Lanka joined 148 other nations in voting in favour of a United Nations General Assembly resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional, and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, as the humanitarian crisis in the region continues to escalate.

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The resolution was adopted during an emergency session held on Thursday (12) at the UN Headquarters in New York. It comes in the wake of the UN Security Council's failure to pass a similar measure last week, which was blocked by a veto from the United States.

In total, 149 countries supported the resolution, while 12 voted against and 19 abstained.

The United States and Israel were among those opposing the measure, joined by countries including Argentina, Hungary, and Paraguay.

Notably, India, Georgia, Ecuador, Romania, and Ethiopia abstained from the vote.

Key elements of the resolution:

* Ceasefire: Calls for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire by all parties.