UN adopts resolution seeking end of occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel

New Delhi, Sep 19: The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution demanding that Israel end its “unlawful presence” in the Occupied Palestinian Territory within the next 12 months. The resolution was passed with 124 nations voting in favour, 14 against, and 43 abstaining including India, signalling strong international support for a resolution to the decades-long conflict.

The resolution calls on Israel to comply with international law by withdrawing its military forces, halting all new settlement activity, evacuating settlers from occupied land, and dismantling parts of the separation wall constructed within the West Bank.

It also demands the return of land, immovable property, and assets seized since the occupation began in 1967, as well as cultural property and assets taken from Palestinians and Palestinian institutions.

The resolution further asserts the right of all Palestinians displaced during the occupation to return to their place of origin and calls for reparations for damages caused by the occupation.

This move follows an advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in July, which declared Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Territory as “unlawful” and affirmed that “all States are under an obligation not to recognide” the occupation.

The General Assembly expressed strong condemnation of Israel’s continued disregard for its obligations under the UN Charter, international law, and previous UN resolutions. It warned that these breaches pose serious threats to regional and international peace and security.

The resolution underlined that Israel must be held accountable for any violations of international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including breaches of international humanitarian and human rights laws.

In addition, the resolution called for the establishment of an international mechanism for reparations to address the damage, loss, or injury caused by Israel’s actions. It also proposed the creation of an international register of damage to document evidence and related claims.

One component of the resolution is the decision to convene an international conference during the Assembly’s current session to discuss the implementation of UN resolutions related to the Palestinian question and the two-state solution. This conference aims to work towards a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.

The General Assembly has also requested that the UN Secretary-General present proposals for a mechanism to follow up on Israel’s violations of Article 3 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, as identified by the ICJ. Article 3 refers to the prohibition of racial segregation and apartheid and requires States Parties to eradicate such practices in territories under their jurisdiction.

The resolution calls on all UN Member States to fulfil their obligations under international law and take concrete steps to address Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

It urges States not to recognise Israel’s presence in the territory as lawful and to ensure that they do not provide aid or assistance that would perpetuate the occupation. This includes measures to prevent nationals, companies, and entities from engaging in activities that support the occupation.

Additionally, the resolution urges States to cease importing products originating from Israeli settlements and to halt the transfer of arms, munitions, and related equipment to Israel in cases where there are reasonable grounds to believe they may be used in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

The Assembly also called for sanctions, such as travel bans and asset freezes, against individuals and entities involved in maintaining Israel’s unlawful presence in the territory. This includes addressing issues related to settler violence and ensuring that those engaged in these activities face legal and financial consequences.

Following the vote, the Assembly temporarily adjourned its tenth emergency special session, authorising the President of the General Assembly to reconvene the session upon request from Member States.

The special session is a continuation of discussions that last took place in May, during the ongoing crisis in Gaza, where the Assembly adopted a resolution outlining additional rights for Palestine’s participation in Assembly meetings.

While that resolution did not grant Palestine the right to vote or to present its candidature for UN’s Main Organs like the Security Council or the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), it did lay the groundwork for continued debate and action on the question of Palestine at the United Nations.