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United Nations

UN General Assembly Demands Israel End Occupation of Palestine Within 12 Months

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution, presented by Palestine and cosponsored by Pakistan and other countries, that demands Israel end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory within 12 months. The resolution garnered significant support, with 124 countries voting in favor, while 43 countries abstained, and 15 countries, including the United States and Israel, voted against it. The resolution comes ahead of the high-level debate next week, where over 130 world leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, will participate. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are scheduled to address the General Assembly on September 26.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN General Assembly resolution demands Israel end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory within 12 months.
  • The resolution was presented by Palestine and cosponsored by Pakistan and several other countries, with 124 countries voting in favor.
  • 43 countries abstained, and 15 countries, including the United States and Israel, voted against the resolution.
  • The resolution welcomes a July advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that deemed Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories and settlements as illegal and should be withdrawn within a rapid timeframe.
  • The General Assembly resolution also calls on states to take steps towards ceasing the importation of products originating in Israeli settlements and the provision of arms and equipment to Israel.
  • Pakistan's Ambassador Munir Akram emphasized that the ICJ's opinion marks a milestone of justice and a flame of hope for the Palestinian people.
  • Ambassador Akram noted that the tragic history of Palestine was caused by a series of legal and political decisions imposed by colonial and imperial powers.
  • The Pakistani envoy called for a re-evaluation of the position of member states and the UN, especially the Security Council, with regard to Palestine and the need for international community measures to oblige Israel to halt its military campaign and withdraw its forces forthwith.

Statistics:

  • 124 countries voted in favor of the resolution.
  • 43 countries abstained from voting.
  • 15 countries, including the United States and Israel, voted against the resolution.
  • The resolution was presented by Palestine and cosponsored by Pakistan and several other countries.
  • Over 130 world leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, are participating in the high-level debate next week.
  • The Israeli military campaign in Gaza has lasted for more than 50 years.

Sources:

  • "UN General Assembly adopts resolution demanding Israel end occupation of Palestine within 12 months", United Nations General Assembly, 2023 (date unknown)
  • "Statement by Pakistan's Ambassador Munir Akram", United Nations General Assembly, 2023 (date unknown)
  • "International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion on Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories", International Court of Justice, July 2023 (date unknown)

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