The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a resolution on Wednesday, with a vote of 124-14 and 43 abstentions, calling for Israel to end its “unlawful presence” in Gaza and the occupied West Bank within a year. The resolution, not legally binding but symbolically significant, demands the withdrawal of Israeli forces and settlers from the territories without delay, urging member states to impose sanctions on those maintaining Israel’s presence.
Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour hailed the vote as a turning point in the struggle for freedom and justice, while Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon criticized it as support for “diplomatic terrorism.” The resolution is based on an advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice declaring Israel’s presence in the territories as unlawful.
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have also called on Israel to end its occupation. Despite expectations that Israel might not comply with the resolution, Palestinians plan to follow up with a stronger one. The resolution tasks UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres with submitting a report within three months on implementing the resolution.
The vote marks a significant condemnation of Israel’s actions in the territories and reflects the international community’s support for Palestinian self-determination. The US, Israel’s ally, was among the 14 countries that voted against the resolution. While the resolution may not have immediate practical impact, it sends a powerful message regarding the need to end Israel’s occupation in the Palestinian territories.
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