UN General Assembly Votes for Israel to Withdraw from Palestinian Territories within a Year

Resolution Passes Despite US Opposition

The United Nations General Assembly voted on Wednesday to demand that Israel end its occupation of Palestinian territories. This comes despite strong opposition from the United States. The resolution, which calls for a full withdrawal within 12 months, was approved with 124 member states voting in favor, 14 voting against, and 43 abstaining. The countries voting against the resolution included the United States, Hungary, Israel, Argentina, Czechia, Fiji, Malawi, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Tonga, and Tuvalu, most of which are small island nations that often align with the US.

Resolution Details and Reactions

The resolution urges all UN member states to enforce sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes, against individuals and entities involved in maintaining Israel's presence in the occupied Palestinian territory. This includes those associated with settler violence. The resolution also calls on nations to stop importing products originating from Israeli settlements and to halt the provision or transfer of arms and related equipment to Israel if there is a reasonable suspicion that they may be used in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The resolution also demands that Israel cease all military operations, in accordance with a recent International Court of Justice ruling.

The US government had been lobbying against the resolution, with the US ambassador urging allies to either reject or abstain from the vote. Despite these efforts, many US allies chose to abstain. The resolution essentially encourages nations to adopt the principles of the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Movement.

Israel and Palestine Responses

Israel strongly criticized the resolution's approval, with its UN ambassador, Danny Danon, labeling it a "shameful decision that backs the Palestinian Authority’s diplomatic terrorism." Israel also indicated its intention to retaliate against Palestine at the UN. The resolution was sponsored by the “State of Palestine” and 29 other countries, primarily Muslim nations. The United Arab Emirates was the only Arab country that has recognized Israel and did not add its name to the sponsors, although it did vote in favor of the resolution.

On the other hand, Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian ambassador to the UN, praised the vote as a turning point "in our struggle for freedom and justice."

Bottom Line

This development at the UN General Assembly marks a significant moment in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. The resolution's passage, despite strong opposition from the US, indicates a global push for a resolution to the conflict. However, the mixed reactions from Israel and Palestine suggest that the road to peace will be fraught with challenges. What are your thoughts on this development? Do you think this resolution will lead to significant changes on the ground? Share your thoughts and this article with your friends. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.