The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution deploring any use of “excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate” force by the Israeli military against Palestinian civilians in an emergency meeting on Wednesday.

The Arab-backed resolution, which was introduced by Algeria and Turkey in their capacities of Chair of the Arab Group and Chair of the Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation respectively, calls for greater protection for Palestinians, following weeks of violence along the border of the Gaza Strip.

The resolution was adopted as 120 nations voted in favour, 45 abstened and 8, most notably the US, Australia and Israel, opposed the resolution.

The amendment proposed by the US that condemns Hamas for their involvement in the Great Return March was not passed as it came short of the two-thirds majority support needed.

Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the UN, addressed delegates during the tenth emergency GA session, stating that the protection of civilians is a concept invented by the Europeans and should not exclude Palestinians to enjoy such protection.

He insisted that the resolution was balanced and rejected the last-minute amendment proposed by the US, considering it a move in “bad faith” and part of their “games and gimmicks” that would not fool the diplomats in the chamber.

He pointed out out that over 120 Palestinians, including, journalists, medics and youth were not spared by Israeli fire. “Outcry and and outrage would not suffice...we need protection… Why would that offend anyone?,” Mansour implored the delegates.