The United Nations (UN) is set to vote on a resolution demanding Israel end its occupation of Palestinian territories within a year. The resolution, crafted by the Palestinian Authority, will be debated at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday. It calls on Israel to cease its “unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory” within 12 months.
The resolution, requiring a two-thirds majority vote to pass, marks a significant step in the ongoing conflict. It’s the first resolution drafted by the Palestinian delegation since gaining enhanced representation at the UN in May. As a non-member observer, Palestine now enjoys the right to participate in UNGA proceedings, including the drafting of resolutions.
The Palestinian resolution builds on an opinion delivered by the UN’s International Court of Justice (ICJ) in July. The ICJ ruled that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories in the West Bank and Gaza is illegal and should be ended “as rapidly as possible.” While the ICJ didn’t specify a timeframe, the UNGA resolution proposes a 12-month timeline for ending the occupation.
Palestinian UN Envoy Riyad Mansour implored member nations to “be on the right side of history” and vote in favor of the resolution. “Each country has a vote, and the world is watching us,” said Mansour, appealing to the international community to stand with “international law, freedom, and peace.”
The resolution’s adoption would further isolate Israel on the world stage, particularly amidst the devastating war in the Gaza Strip. It comes just days before the annual UNGA session, which will see numerous world leaders in attendance, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Although the UNGA resolution is not binding and lacks veto power, it carries significant political weight. Its adoption would signify widespread international support for the Palestinian cause.
The United States, however, has urged nations to vote against the resolution. US Envoy to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield asserted that the US policy opposes unilateral measures regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The US believes that a two-state solution can only be achieved through bilateral engagement.
Israel’s Envoy to the UN, Danny Danon, condemned the resolution, labeling it “diplomatic terrorism.” “Let’s call this for what it is: this resolution is diplomatic terrorism, using the tools of diplomacy not to build bridges but to destroy them,” stated Danon.
The ongoing conflict stems from Israel’s capture of the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem during the 1967 Six-Day War. While Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005, the terrorist group Hamas seized control in 2007. However, Israel continues to occupy the West Bank, solidifying its presence with numerous settlements deemed illegal under international law. The Palestinian Authority maintains partial governance control of the West Bank in accordance with the Oslo Accords.
