India, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Nepal, Sweden and the UK were among 43 countries that abstained as the resolution was adopted with 124 votes
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has overwhelmingly adopted a resolution calling on Israel to end its illegal occupation of the Palestinian territories within a year, a move that Palestine hailed as “historic”.
The nonbinding measure passed a 124-14 vote, with 43 countries abstaining.
The UNGA demanded that “Israel brings to an end without delay its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which constitutes a wrongful act of a continuing character entailing its international responsibility, and do so no later than 12 months”.
It also called on Israel to make reparations to Palestinians for damages incurred by the occupation.
The UNGA, whose mission includes promoting “respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms”, includes every sovereign country in the world, so Wednesday’s vote underscores the depth of the international opposition to the Israeli occupation of Palestine.
The resolution backed an advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) – the UN’s top court – which found that Israel’s presence in the Palestinian territories is unlawful and must end.
The court ruled in July that Israel is abusing its status as an occupying power, stressing that Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are illegal.
The UNGA vote comes amid Israel’s devastating war on Gaza, which has killed more than 41,250 Palestinians. The ICJ has issued rulings ordering Israel to take steps to prevent genocide in Gaza and allow adequate humanitarian aid into the territory. The United States, which claims to pursue a two-state solution to the conflict, joined Israel in opposing the UNGA resolution on Wednesday – as did Czechia, Hungary, Argentina and several small Pacific island states.
The resolution was submitted by Palestine – a permanent observer state at the UN. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the resolution and urged countries across the world to take steps to pressure Israel to adhere to it.
“The international consensus over this resolution renews the hopes of our Palestinian people – who are facing a comprehensive aggression and genocide in Gaza and the West Bank, including Jerusalem – to achieve its aspirations of freedom and independence and establishing a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital,” Abbas said.
Argentina: Nay vote, but committed to ceasefire efforts
Ambassador Ricardo Lagorio of Argentina said his delegation voted against the resolution for several reasons. However, he emphasised “this nay vote does not in any way mean that Argentina is no longer committed to a just and definitive peace to the Israel-Palestine conflict in conformity with international law and the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council of the United Nations.”
The resolution adopted goes beyond what has been established in the advisory opinion, he explained, also voicing strong support for a ceasefire to the war in Gaza.
“Only by resuming a process of dialogue based on the two-State solution, living side by side in peace and security with a secure and internationally recognised borders, will it be possible to achieve a lasting peace,” he concluded.
Japan casts favourable vote
Japan’s representative, whose delegation voted in favour of the resolution, said Tokyo attaches great importance to the ICJ and its work.
As stated in the court’s advisory opinion, he said Israeli settlement activities undermine the advancement of a two-State solution. Sanction measures should be taken based on the domestic laws of each country, he continued.
The broader goal is to rebuild trust between the parties and work towards a two-State solution, he said, adding that Tokyo will continue to support efforts by the United States, Egypt and Qatar in negotiating a ceasefire, returning the hostages and ensuring that humanitarian aid enters Gaza.
UK abstains despite call for two-State solution
United Kingdom Ambassador Barbara Woodward abstained from the resolution “not because we do not support the central findings of the ICJ’s advisory opinion, but rather because the resolution does not provide sufficient clarity to effectively advance our shared aim of a peace premised on a negotiated two-State solution”. “We respect the court and call for States to unite around renewed efforts towards a negotiated settlement in accordance with international law and the relevant resolutions of the Security Council,” she said, adding that the UK stands ready to work with other Member States on future resolutions. She condemned Israel’s expansion of settlements as “clear violations of international law”, emphasising the unprecedented levels of violence by extremist settlers over the past year used to systematically pressure Palestinian communities to leave their land. She called on Israel to hold those responsible to account and for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza in order to ensure “a safe and secure Israel alongside a safe and secure Palestinian State”.
New resolution demands end to Israeli occupation
By the newly adopted resolution, the General Assembly “demands that Israel brings to an end without delay its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which constitutes a wrongful act of a continuing character entailing its international responsibility and do so no later than 12 months from the adoption of the present resolution”.
The Assembly also “demands that Israel comply without delay with all its legal obligations under international law, including as stipulated by the International Court of Justice, by, inter alia: (a) withdrawing all its military forces from the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including its airspace and maritime space, and (b) putting an end to its unlawful policies and practices, including ceasing immediately all new settlement activity, evacuating all settlers from the Occupied Palestinian Territory and dismantling the parts of the wall constructed by Israel that are situated in the Territory, and repealing all legislation and measures creating or maintaining the unlawful situation”.