The United Nations General Assembly delivered a resounding message to Israel on Wednesday, September 18, demanding an end to its occupation of Palestinian territories within 12 months. The resolution, passed with 124 votes in favor, 14 against, and 43 abstentions, carries significant weight despite being non-binding. Its foundation lies in an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which declared Israel’s occupation since 1967 unlawful.
India was among the countries that abstained from the vote. The text of the resolution calls for a complete withdrawal from the occupied territories, a halt to new settlement construction, the return of seized land and property, and the right of return for displaced Palestinians. It also urges countries to cease arms supplies to Israel if there’s reasonable belief the weapons might be used in the occupied territories.
Palestinian Ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour emphasized the resolution’s aim to leverage international pressure and the ICJ ruling to compel Israel to change its course. However, Israel vehemently opposed the resolution, warning it could fuel violence. UN Ambassador Danny Danon labeled it a “shameful decision” that supports “diplomatic terrorism” by the Palestinian Authority.
Danon sharply criticized the General Assembly for overlooking Hamas, the militant group responsible for the October 7 attacks on Israel that tragically claimed over 1,200 lives, mostly civilians. “Instead of condemning Hamas and calling for the release of hostages, the Assembly continues to align with the Palestinian Authority,” he asserted.
US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield echoed the criticism, denouncing the resolution as “inflammatory” and unproductive for peace efforts. She highlighted the text’s failure to address Hamas, which she described as a terrorist organization controlling Gaza. The US was among the countries that voted against the resolution.
The UN resolution comes amidst a backdrop of escalating violence, including Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of over 41,000 Palestinians, according to health officials in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip. Israel reports 348 soldiers killed since launching its ground offensive on October 27, while more than 97 hostages remain in Gaza, some confirmed dead, according to Israeli authorities.
