
The United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday adopted a Palestinian-drafted resolution demanding that Israel end its "unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory" within 12 months.

The resolution received massive support, with 124 votes in favor, 43 abstentions, and 14 votes against, including those from Israel and the United States.

The resolution calls for Israel to withdraw its forces, halt all new settlement building, and evacuate all settlers from the Palestinian territories. It also demands that Israel pay reparations to Palestinians for damages caused by its occupation.
This measure follows a July advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which declared Israel's occupation and settlements illegal and recommended their withdrawal "as rapidly as possible."
Palestinian U.N. Ambassador Riyad Mansour urged the General Assembly to "stand on the right side of history" and support international law, freedom, and peace. In contrast, Israel's U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon criticized the resolution, labeling it as "diplomatic terrorism" and accusing it of undermining efforts to build bridges through diplomacy.
The resolution is non-binding but carries political weight and reflects the international community's stance on the issue. The U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Linda Thomas-Greenfield, opposed the resolution, arguing that it undermines the prospect of a two-state solution.
Despite this opposition, the resolution marks a pivotal moment for the Palestinian Authority, which recently gained additional rights and privileges at the U.N., including the ability to propose draft resolutions.
This development comes amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which escalated on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israeli communities, resulting in massive casualties and hostages. The subsequent Israeli military offensive has devastated the Gaza Strip, displacing nearly all of its 2.3 million residents and causing severe humanitarian crises.
As world leaders prepare to gather in New York for the annual U.N. meeting, the resolution places additional pressure on Israel and highlights the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas are both scheduled to address the General Assembly on September 26, 2024, potentially setting the stage for further diplomatic discussions.
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