UN General Assembly Expected to Vote on Resolution Concerning Israel’s Presence in Palestinian Territories

The United Nations General Assembly is anticipated to vote next week on a draft resolution submitted by the Palestinian Authority, which calls for Israel to end what it terms “its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory” within a six-month timeframe.

This draft resolution aims to align with a July advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The ICJ’s opinion declared that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories and the establishment of settlements there are illegal and should be ended as swiftly as possible. While the advisory opinion itself is non-binding, it carries significant weight under international law.

The resolution, which is supported by the Arab Group, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Non-Aligned Movement, will be voted on September 18. The draft’s language could be amended before the vote.

Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, has criticized the resolution, urging the General Assembly to reject it in favor of a resolution condemning Hamas and demanding the release of hostages.

The General Assembly’s resolution would not be legally binding but would serve as a significant political statement. Israel has controlled the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem since the 1967 Middle East war, areas the Palestinians seek for their future state. The ongoing conflict has seen severe casualties and humanitarian crises in Gaza, exacerbating international calls for resolutions and ceasefires.

Reuters and the Jerusalem Post contributed to this report.