A resolution demanding a stop to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory within one year and the introduction of consequences for noncompliance was unanimously accepted by the United Nations General Assembly.
The nonbinding resolution was approved by the majority of UN members. There were 124 votes in favor of the resolution while 14 nations voted against it and 43 nations preferred abstention. The adoption was hailed as “historic” by the Palestinian team in the UN.
Few days before international leaders head to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, the legislation may lead to further isolation of Israel. Beginning on September 24, there will be addresses by world leaders for about a week.
The vote was denounced by Israel’s UN envoy, Danny Danon, as a disgraceful move that supports the Palestinian Authority’s diplomatic terrorism. “Instead of marking the anniversary of the October 7 massacre by condemning Hamas and calling for the release of all 101 of the remaining hostages, the General Assembly continues to dance to the music of the Palestinian Authority, which backs the Hamas murderers.”
Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority, praised the decision. Abbas called on all nations to take action to put pressure on Israel to abide by it. The Palestinian people’s optimism of achieving their dream of sovereignty and statehood are renewed by the worldwide agreement over this resolution, Abbas said.
The resolution was deemed “one-sided” by the US representation to the UN. It cited its refusal to acknowledge Israel’s right to self-defense and the fact that Hamas continues to hold authority in Gaza. The United States said that this resolution would not result in real development for the Palestinian people. “In reality, it ignores Israel’s very real security concerns, which might hinder efforts to end the violence in Gaza and impede reviving steps toward a two-state solution.”
In an announcement, the Department of Foreign Affairs in Qatar noted that the resolution’s approval by the majority of nations fully demonstrated the fairness of the Palestinian struggle. According to Doha, it signifies the widespread acknowledgement on a global scale of the Palestinian people’s unavoidable, authorized, and historical claim to self-determination. The ministry expressed optimism that all nations would uphold their commitments under international agreements.
Rights Organizations
The UNGA’s demand that Israel terminate its occupation of Palestine was warmly received by the secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council. According to al-Budaiwi, it validated the Palestinian people’s right to retake their seized territories. It also demonstrated how the world and regional community does not recognize Israel’s activities, particularly the settlement development.
In a statement, EU foreign policy leader Josep Borrell noted that the UN General Assembly has reiterated its strong commitment to achieving the Palestinian’s right to independence. The key takeaway from this resolution is the people’s right to an autonomous, self-governing nation where they may coexist peacefully and securely with Israel.
According to Amnesty International Secretary-General, the resolution makes it abundantly evident that Israel’s six-decade occupation cannot go on. Human Rights Watch’s UN manager, Louis Charbonneau, stated that Israel had to comply with the request of the vast majority of UN member states.
