UN General Assembly Overwhelmingly Condemns Israeli Occupation, Demands End Within a Year
In a resounding show of international disapproval, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted a resolution calling for Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territories within a year, Al Jazeera reports.
The nonbinding measure passed with a vote of 124-14, with 43 countries abstaining, underscoring the depth of global opposition to Israel’s continued presence in the occupied territories.
The resolution, submitted by Palestine, demands that Israel “brings to an end without delay its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory,” which includes the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza. It also calls for Israel to make reparations for damages incurred by the occupation.
The UNGA’s decision follows an advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) – the UN’s top court – that found Israel’s presence in Palestinian territories unlawful. The court ruled in July that Israel is abusing its status as an occupying power and that Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are illegal.
“The international consensus over this resolution renews the hopes of our Palestinian people,” said Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, welcoming the UNGA’s decision.
He urged countries worldwide to pressure Israel to adhere to the resolution.
The resolution comes amidst Israel’s devastating war on Gaza, which has claimed the lives of over 41,250 Palestinians. The ICJ has previously issued rulings demanding Israel prevent genocide in Gaza and allow adequate humanitarian aid into the territory.
Despite the overwhelming global condemnation, the United States, which claims to support a two-state solution to the conflict, joined Israel in opposing the resolution. Several US allies, including France, Finland, and Mexico, voted in favor of the resolution. The United Kingdom, Ukraine, and Canada abstained.
Israel, which captured the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem in the 1967 war, has consistently rejected international calls to end its occupation.
