The United Nations Passes Historic Resolution Calling for an End to Israel’s Occupation of Palestinian Territories
The United Nations made a significant move on Wednesday by passing a historic resolution that calls for the end of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza. Out of the 181 member states, 124 voted in favor of the measure, while the United States and 13 other nations voted against it, reaffirming their unconditional support for Israel’s actions in Palestine.
This sweeping resolution builds on an unprecedented ruling from the U.N.’s top court, the International Court of Justice, which declared Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories as an illegal, apartheid system that must cease. The latest resolution, introduced by Palestine, affirms the July ruling and sets a 12-month timeframe for the withdrawal of Israeli military from the Occupied Palestinian Territory. It also calls for the removal of Israeli settlers, a halt to Israel’s annexation of Palestinian land, and the return of land seized from Palestinians since the occupation began in 1967.
The vote on Wednesday saw 124 nations in favor of the resolution, 14 against, and 43 abstaining. Alongside the United States and Israel, the coalition of 14 nations opposing the resolution included Czechia, Hungary, Argentina, Paraguay, Malawi, Papua New Guinea, and six tiny Pacific Island nations.
Jessica Peake, an international law professor at UCLA Law, described the resolution as “historic,” given Palestine’s status as a new member of the United Nations General Assembly. However, it is important to note that the U.N. resolution, much like the U.N. court’s July opinion, is not legally binding, and the U.N. has no way of enforcing its rulings.
Peake emphasized that it is now up to other member states in the international community to put pressure on Israel and its allies to comply with the resolution. This could include countries urging the end of the illegal occupation, withholding military aid, and issuing further sanctions. The United States, in particular, sends billions of dollars of military aid to Israel each year.
The opposition against the resolution primarily revolves around its scope, with some nations arguing that it goes beyond what the July advisory opinion asks for. Critics of the resolution, or those who abstained, expressed concerns about the 12-month timeframe for ending the occupation, deeming it unrealistic. They also emphasized the need for Israel to be a more significant negotiating partner. U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield previously stated that the resolution undermines efforts to negotiate a two-state solution. However, President Joe Biden’s administration, like previous administrations, has expressed support for Palestinian sovereignty and a two-state solution without providing a viable path toward achieving it.
Despite the challenges, Peake believes that the U.N.’s recognition of Israel as an occupying power is accurate. She also sees the 12-month timeframe as necessary, as it provides a deadline for Israel to act. It allows the international community to assess Israel’s behavior and determine whether it has fulfilled the recommendations made by the General Assembly through this resolution.
Ahead of the vote, more than 30 human rights groups released a letter urging U.N. members to vote in favor of the resolution and to end weapons sales and transfers to Israel. The letter highlighted numerous violations of humanitarian law, including the use of arms to attack Palestinian civilians, arbitrary imprisonment of Palestinians, and the deprivation of freedom of movement and medical assistance.
In conclusion, the United Nations’ passage of this historic resolution sends a strong message to the international community about the need to end Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. While the resolution is not legally binding, it sets a deadline and provides an opportunity for member states to put pressure on Israel to comply. The resolution also reaffirms the findings of the International Court of Justice and highlights the importance of upholding international law and the international order.