United Nations Calls for Israeli Withdrawal from Palestinian Territories in 12 Months

During an emergency session, the resolution gained support from 124 delegates, opposition from 14, and 43 abstentions, achieving a two-thirds majority. Notably, the United States, Israel’s closest ally, was among those who voted against the resolution.

This decision was a response to an advisory opinion released in July by the International Court of Justice, stating that Israel’s presence in Palestinian territories is illegal and must cease. However, it’s crucial to note that the court’s opinion does not hold legal authority.

The resolution, proposed by the Palestinian Authority, a nonmember observer at the U.N. General Assembly, demands Israel to remove its forces and evacuate Israeli settlers from Gaza and the West Bank promptly.

Additionally, the resolution calls upon countries to impose sanctions on those supporting Israel’s presence in the territories and to halt arms exports to Israel if there are suspicions of their use in the region.

Furthermore, the resolution urges Israel to provide reparations to Palestinians and calls on countries to take action to prevent trade or investments that perpetuate Israel’s presence in the territories.

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The vote signifies a significant moment “in our fight for freedom and justice,” as expressed by Palestinian Ambassador to the U.N. Riyad Mansour. He emphasized that it underscores the necessity for Israel to end its occupation and respect the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.

Reacting to the U.N. General Assembly’s resolution, Israeli Ambassador to the U.N. Danny Danon condemned it as “a shameful decision that supports the Palestinian Authority’s diplomatic terrorism.”

Instead of using the anniversary of the Oct. 7 massacre to condemn Hamas and demand the release of all remaining hostages, Danon criticized the General Assembly for aligning with the Palestinian Authority, which he accused of supporting Hamas terrorists.

The U.S. representative dismissed the resolution as one-sided and accused it of selectively interpreting the International Court of Justice’s verdict.

In her appeal for members to vote against the resolution, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield stressed the U.S.’s consistent opposition to unilateral actions undermining a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. She highlighted concerns about Israeli settlements in the West Bank and the content of the resolution put forth for the recent vote.

Thomas-Greenfield noted that the resolution fails to recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization controlling Gaza and overlooks Israel’s right to defend itself against acts of terror.

She further criticized the resolution for lacking solutions to the conflict with Hamas in Gaza, the safe return of hostages, and providing essential aid to Palestinian civilians in the region.

According to Thomas-Greenfield, resolving the conflict requires direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine, not increased involvement from U.N. committees. She argued that the resolution’s adoption will not rejuvenate the peace process or pave a path toward a two-state solution.

While Syria’s delegate hailed the resolution’s adoption as solidarity with Palestinians and a global rejection of Israeli occupation, Belgium’s delegate highlighted how it could instill hope among Palestinians by countering oppressive conditions that fuel terrorist groups like Hamas.

Notably, the resolution was adopted as the one-year mark of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza approaches. The conflict erupted after Gaza-based militants, including Hamas, launched attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, resulting in casualties and war crimes, according to Human Rights Watch. Many lives were lost, including civilians and service members.

As per the Hamas-run Palestinian Health Ministry, over 41,000 Palestinians have died in the ongoing conflict, with a significant number being women and children. Efforts to broker a cease-fire deal continue, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaging in mediation discussions in Egypt.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.