Wed Sep 18 01:48:16 UTC 2024: ## UN Votes on Palestinian Resolution Demanding End to Israeli Occupation

**New York** – The United Nations General Assembly is set to vote Wednesday on a Palestinian-backed resolution demanding an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories within 12 months. The non-binding resolution, based on an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice deeming Israel’s occupation unlawful, has sparked fierce debate.

The resolution, supported by Arab countries, calls for Israel to withdraw its forces, halt settlement expansion, return seized land and property, and allow the return of displaced Palestinians. It also urges states to consider ceasing arms provisions to Israel if there are concerns they may be used in the occupied territories.

Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour argued the resolution aims to use international pressure to force Israel to change its behavior. He highlighted the historical significance of the ICJ opinion, which examined the Israeli occupation as a whole for the first time.

Israel vehemently rejects the resolution, with Ambassador Danny Danon calling it a “circus” that fuels violence. He accused other countries of enabling and collaborating with Palestinians by supporting the resolution.

The United States, a staunch ally of Israel, condemned the resolution as inflammatory and counterproductive to peace efforts. US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield highlighted that the resolution fails to address Hamas’ control of Gaza.

The General Assembly vote comes amidst a tense situation following the October 7 attack on southern Israel by Hamas militants. The attack sparked a devastating war that has resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis and at least 41,252 Palestinians, according to official figures.

Despite the Security Council’s paralysis on the issue, the General Assembly, where no country has veto power, has previously adopted several resolutions in support of Palestinian civilians. The outcome of Wednesday’s vote remains uncertain, but it is expected to further strain relations between Israel and the international community.

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