Wed Sep 18 02:24:58 UTC 2024: ## Palestinians Push for UN Resolution Demanding End to Israeli Occupation Within 12 Months

The United Nations General Assembly is set to vote on a resolution Wednesday, demanding Israel end its occupation of Palestinian territories within 12 months. The non-binding resolution, fueled by an International Court of Justice (ICJ) opinion deeming the Israeli occupation unlawful, has sparked strong reactions from both sides.

The draft resolution, which calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces, halting of settlements, and the return of seized land and property, has been met with fierce opposition from Israel. Ambassador Danny Danon condemned the resolution, labeling it a “circus” and claiming that any support for it would fuel violence.

Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour, however, argued that the resolution aims to use international pressure to force Israel to change its behavior. He emphasized the need for a peaceful solution, stating that “Palestinians want to live, not survive.”

The US, a staunch ally of Israel, has condemned the resolution as “inflammatory” and ineffective in advancing peace. They argued that the resolution ignores the role of Hamas, which controls Gaza, in the ongoing conflict.

The vote comes amidst a tense situation following the October 7 attack on southern Israel by Hamas, which sparked the ongoing war. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people in Israel, mostly civilians, and over 41,000 people in Gaza, according to official figures.

While the Security Council remains largely paralyzed due to US vetoes, the General Assembly’s non-binding vote could carry symbolic weight and further pressure Israel to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

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