UN General Assembly Passes Resolution Calling for End to Israel’s Presence in Occupied Palestinian Territories

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a non-binding resolution drafted by Palestine, calling on Israel to end its “unlawful presence” in the Occupied Palestinian Territories within 12 months. The resolution received 124 votes in favor, 14 against, and 43 abstentions. As a non-member observer state, Palestine did not participate in the vote.

The resolution is rooted in a July advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which stated that Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip is illegal under international law. The Palestinian ambassador hailed the vote as a significant moment in the pursuit of “freedom and justice,” while Israel’s ambassador condemned it as “diplomatic terrorism.”

Although UN General Assembly resolutions are non-binding, they hold symbolic and political significance as they represent the collective stance of the UN’s 193 member states. The vote comes in the wake of escalating violence in the region, particularly after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of 251 others. In response, Israeli military action in Gaza has resulted in over 41,000 deaths, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

The ICJ’s advisory opinion, though not legally binding, found Israel’s continued presence in the occupied territories to be unlawful and urged the evacuation of all settlers. The court also recommended that Israel make reparations for damages caused.

Israel has long disputed these claims, with its prime minister rejecting the court’s findings as “lies” and maintaining that “the Jewish people are not occupiers in their own land.” Since 1967, Israel has built approximately 160 settlements housing 700,000 Jews in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, a practice condemned by the international community as a violation of international law.

The General Assembly resolution called on Israel to end its “unlawful presence” in the occupied territories within 12 months and comply with its international obligations. The Palestinian Authority welcomed the resolution as a “pivotal and historic moment” for their cause.

Israel’s foreign ministry criticized the resolution, stating it “encourages terrorism” and undermines peace efforts. The U.S. also opposed the resolution, warning that it was one-sided and would not contribute to resolving the conflict or advancing peace. The UK abstained from the vote, citing concerns over the resolution’s lack of clarity in promoting a two-state solution.