Wed Sep 18 05:06:51 UTC 2024: ## UN Assembly to Vote on Resolution Demanding Israel End Occupation
**UNITED NATIONS** – The United Nations General Assembly will vote on September 18th on a Palestinian-drafted resolution demanding Israel end its “unlawful presence” in the Occupied Palestinian Territory within 12 months. The vote comes just days before world leaders gather for the annual UN General Assembly meeting in New York.
The resolution, which is based on a July advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) declaring Israel’s occupation illegal, is expected to isolate Israel further on the international stage. The US, a staunch ally of Israel, has urged countries to vote against the resolution, arguing it undermines the possibility of a two-state solution.
Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour, while expecting the resolution to pass, acknowledges it may receive less support than similar resolutions adopted in 2023.
The ICJ opinion, though not legally binding, holds significant weight in international law. A General Assembly resolution, while not binding, carries significant political weight.
Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon has criticized the resolution, calling it “diplomatic terrorism” and rejecting its premise. He also criticized the General Assembly’s failure to condemn the October 7th attack on Israel by Palestinian Hamas militants.
The vote comes amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which began with a Hamas attack on Israeli communities. Since then, Israel has launched a military assault on Gaza, displacing millions of Palestinians and leading to thousands of casualties on both sides.
The General Assembly previously passed resolutions calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza in October and December of 2023. However, the upcoming vote on the Palestinian-drafted resolution marks a significant escalation, demanding a complete end to Israel’s presence in the occupied territories.
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