UN General Assembly to Vote on Palestinian Resolution Demanding Israeli Withdrawal
The United Nations General Assembly is poised to adopt a significant Palestinian-drafted resolution that calls for Israel to end its "illegal presence in the occupied Palestinian territories" within a 12-month timeframe. This resolution marks the first formal submission by the Palestinian Authority since it gained enhanced rights at the UN, including the ability to propose draft resolutions. The timing is critical, as it comes just days before world leaders gather in New York for the annual UN General Assembly.
The draft resolution is a direct response to the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice in July, which declared Israel's occupation of Palestinian lands illegal. While the advisory opinion is not legally binding, it is influential in shaping international law and could sway global opinion against Israel. The resolution needs a two-thirds majority to pass, and its adoption would further isolate Israel on the international stage.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is set to address the General Assembly on September 26, coinciding with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech. Palestinian Ambassador to the UN, Riyad Mansour, urged member states to support the resolution, emphasizing the importance of standing on the right side of history regarding international law and peace.
US Opposition and Israeli Response to the Resolution
The United States, a staunch ally of Israel, has voiced strong opposition to the resolution. US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, has urged member states to vote against it, arguing that such unilateral measures undermine the prospects for a two-state solution. Israel's Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, has condemned the resolution as "diplomatic terrorism," asserting that it is designed to destroy diplomatic bridges rather than build them.
The resolution comes amid ongoing tensions, with Israel continuing to expand settlements in the West Bank, a move widely regarded as illegal under international law. The Palestinian Authority, representing the Palestinian people as a non-member observer, seeks to leverage this resolution to garner international support and pressure Israel to comply with international norms.
As the UN General Assembly prepares for the vote, the world is closely watching the developments, which could have significant repercussions for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and international relations.
