UN to vote on resolution demanding end to Israel's ‘unlawful occupation' of Palestinian territorIES

The United Nations General Assembly is set to vote on a Palestinian-drafted resolution demanding Israel withdraw from the occupied Palestinian territories within 12 months.

The resolution, expected to be adopted, calls for an end to Israel’s “unlawful presence” in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem, areas it has controlled since the 1967 war.

This resolution follows a July advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which declared Israel’s occupation illegal and urged an end to settlement expansion.

The draft text aligns with the ICJ’s recommendation, though it allows Israel a one-year timeline to withdraw.

While non-binding, the resolution carries political weight and is seen as a reflection of global opinion on the issue.

Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour appealed to the General Assembly, urging countries to stand with international law and peace.

He argued that the Palestinians face an "existential threat" and called for an end to Israel’s decades-long occupation.

However, Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon condemned the resolution, labeling it as “diplomatic terrorism” and accusing it of ignoring Hamas' violent acts.

He criticized the UN for failing to address October 7 that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and a large-scale military response in Gaza.

The US, a close ally of Israel, opposes the resolution.

US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield called on countries to vote against it, arguing that it undermines the prospects for a two-state solution and does not address Hamas’ role in the conflict.

If adopted, the resolution would demand Israel withdraw its military and settlers from the occupied territories, pay reparations for damages, and face accountability for violations of international law.

Despite these demands, it is unclear whether Israel will comply with the resolution's terms.