UN General Assembly Demands End to Israeli Occupation of Palestinian Territories

The United Nations General Assembly has overwhelmingly passed a non-binding resolution calling for Israel to end its 'unlawful presence' in the Palestinian territories, including Gaza and the West Bank, within 12 months. The resolution, which was approved with 124 votes in favor, 12 against, and 43 abstentions, emphasizes that Israel's occupation is a 'continuous wrongful act' that incurs international responsibility.

The vote follows an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in July, which declared that Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories is unlawful and must cease. The ICJ ruling also condemned Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem as violations of international law.

Global Reaction and Support

The resolution was proposed by Palestine and received significant support from several countries, including France, Finland, and Mexico. However, the United States, along with countries like Czechia, Hungary, and Argentina, opposed the resolution. The U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, criticized the resolution for its 'numerous flaws,' arguing it does not recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization and could complicate efforts to resolve the conflict.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the resolution, stating it rekindles the hopes of the Palestinian people for freedom and independence. He called on nations worldwide to pressure Israel to comply with the resolution and establish a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

The UN General Assembly's decision comes amidst a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Israel's military campaign has resulted in the deaths of over 400 Palestinians. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the collective punishment of the Palestinian people and highlighted the devastating impact of the conflict, including the destruction of hospitals, schools, and ambulances.

Guterres also called for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages, and an 'irreversible' two-state solution. He emphasized that the current status quo, with no dignity for the Palestinian people, is unsustainable.

International Community's Stance

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan likened the conditions in Gaza to a 'concentration camp' and criticized countries that unconditionally support Israel, saying they are complicit in the massacre. He called for coercive measures against Israel if it fails to implement UN Security Council resolutions.

The resolution also demands that Israel provide reparations to Palestinians for damages caused by the occupation and urges nations to take measures to prevent trade or investments that sustain Israel's presence in the territories. It further calls for accountability for breaches of international law and sanctions against those who uphold Israel's presence in the territories.