The proposal, which has encountered robust opposition from Israel, is grounded in an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ)…reports Asian Lite News
The United Nations member states engaged in a significant debate over a Palestinian proposal that demands an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories within 12 months, media reported.
This proposal, which has encountered robust opposition from Israel, is grounded in an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The ICJ’s opinion labels Israel’s occupation since 1967 as “unlawful” and asserts that Israel must terminate its presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as swiftly as possible, AFP reported.
The resolution, requested by the General Assembly, has sparked considerable controversy.
Arab nations, responding to the ICJ’s ruling, have called for a special session of the assembly ahead of the upcoming General Assembly (UNGA) session, which will see the participation of numerous heads of state and government.
Palestinian Ambassador to the UN, Riyad Mansour, noted that the resolution aims to leverage international pressure and the ICJ’s ruling to compel Israel to alter its policies. He acknowledged that the draft resolution has shocked many countries, reflecting its contentious nature.
The draft resolution, scheduled for a vote on Wednesday, demands that Israel end its occupation of Palestinian territories within 12 months—a revision from the initially proposed six months.
It calls for a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, a halt to new settlements, the return of seized land and property, and provisions for the return of displaced Palestinians.
Additionally, it suggests that states should cease arms supplies to Israel if there are reasonable grounds to suspect misuse in the occupied territories.
Israel has vehemently opposed the resolution. Ambassador Danny Danon criticized it as a “circus” that unfairly targets Israel and disregards the complexity of the situation. He argued that the UN continues to pass one-sided resolutions that do not address the broader context of the conflict.
US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield also condemned the draft resolution, calling it “inflammatory” and counterproductive to peace efforts. She pointed out that the resolution fails to address the role of Hamas, a group she described as a terrorist organization, in the current conflict.
The US has repeatedly vetoed Security Council resolutions critical of Israel, leaving the General Assembly as a more active arena for Palestinian support.
The recent escalation in Gaza, triggered by the October 7 attacks on southern Israel, has resulted in severe casualties. Reports indicate that over 40,000 people have died in Gaza amid ongoing violence.
Danon expressed frustration with the assembly’s response, accusing it of remaining silent in the face of what he views as unprecedented terror against Israel.
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