UNITED NATIONS -- The U.N. General Assembly approved a resolution Thursday asking the U.N.'s highest court to state what Israel's obligations are in Gaza and the West Bank to provide humanitarian assistance essential for the survival of Palestinian civilians.

The vote on the Norwegian-sponsored resolution seeking an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice was 137-12, with 22 abstentions. The United States, Israel's closest ally, voted against the resolution. Resolutions in the 193-member General Assembly are not legally binding but reflect world opinion.

It follows the ICJ's July condemnation of Israel' s rule over lands it captured 57 years ago. Thursday's resolution also follows Israeli laws, which take effect in 90 days, that effectively ban the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees from operating in the Palestinian territories.

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