Geneva, April 3 (RHC)-- The UN Human Rights Council has passed a resolution condemning Israel’s renewed onslaught on Gaza.  The council also demanded that the regime “prevent genocide” and "lift its illegal blockade” on the territory.

The resolution, which was put forward by most members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), was adopted on Wednesday with an overwhelming majority.  The resolution was adopted with 27 of the council's 47 members voting in favor, four against and 16 abstaining. The text deplored "the violation by Israel of the ceasefire agreement."

It voiced grave concern at statements by Israeli officials that amount to incitement to genocide.  The resolution demanded unimpeded humanitarian aid and the restoration of basic necessities in Gaza.  It also slammed the use of the starvation of civilians as a weapon of war.

The resolution slammed "the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare" and called on all countries "to take immediate action to prevent the continued forcible transfer of Palestinians within or from the Gaza Strip."  The resolution called on all nations to halt arms sales to Israel and take immediate action to prevent the forcible transfer of Palestinians from Gaza.

The text also called on the UN General Assembly to set up a new investigative team to prepare prosecutions for major international crimes committed in the war on Gaza.

The resolution demanded "unimpeded humanitarian assistance and the urgent restoration of basic necessities" to Gaza.  The text also voiced "grave concern at statements by Israeli officials amounting to incitement to genocide" and demanded that Israel "uphold its legal responsibility to prevent genocide."  Israel is boycotting the council, which it has accused of bias.