UN General Assembly adopts resolution demanding Israel leave Palestinian territories

(Patria) - The UN General Assembly yesterday adopted a resolution drafted by the Palestinians, demanding that Israel end "its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory" within 12 months.

The resolution was supported by 124 countries, 43 abstained, while Israel, the US and 12 others voted against, Hina reports.

#BREAKING

UN General Assembly ADOPTS resolution demanding that Israel “brings to an end without delay its unlawful presence” in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and do so within 12 months

Voting result
In favor: 124
Against: 14
Abstain: 43 pic.twitter.com/hIwn7y6EY4

— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) September 18, 2024

This move isolates Israel just days before world leaders head to New York for the annual UN gathering.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to address the 193-member General Assembly on September 26, the same day as Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

The resolution welcomes the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice from July, according to which the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and settlements is unlawful.

The General Assembly resolution calls on states to "take steps towards ceasing the import of any products originating from Israeli settlements, as well as the supply or transfer of weapons, ammunition and related equipment to Israel where there are reasonable grounds to suspect they might be used on the Occupied Palestinian Territory."

This is the first resolution officially proposed by the Palestinian Authority since it gained additional rights and privileges this month, including a seat among UN member states in the hall and the right to propose draft resolutions.

US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield urged countries to vote against it. Washington, a weapons supplier and ally of Israel, has long opposed unilateral measures that undermine prospects for a two-state solution.

The advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice is not binding, but carries weight under international law and could weaken support for Israel. The UN General Assembly resolution is also non-binding, but carries political weight. There is no veto right in the General Assembly.

Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon criticized the General Assembly two days ago for failing to condemn the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, which triggered the Israeli assault on the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.

- Let's call this by its real name: this resolution is diplomatic terrorism, using the tools of diplomacy not to build bridges, but to destroy them - the Israeli ambassador said.