Sept 19, V7N - On September 18, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly voted to formally demand that Israel end its occupation of the Palestinian territories within 12 months. The non-binding resolution, which received 124 votes in favor, 14 against, and 43 abstentions, is based on an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) declaring the occupation since 1967 as "unlawful."

The Palestinian delegation hailed the adoption of the resolution as a "historic" moment.The resolution calls for Israel to withdraw from the occupied territories, halt new settlements, return seized land and property, and allow displaced Palestinians the possibility of return. It also urges member states to consider ceasing arms provisions to Israel if there are reasonable grounds to suspect they may be used in the occupied territories.

Palestinian ambassador Riyad Mansour emphasized the need for international pressure to compel Israel to change its behavior.Israel has firmly rejected the resolution, labeling it as "cynical" and "distorted," claiming it could incite violence and undermine peace efforts. The resolution comes just weeks before the one-year anniversary of Hamas's unprecedented attack on Israel, which has led to ongoing conflict and significant casualties on both sides. The United States, along with several other nations, voted against the resolution, while the General Assembly continues to support Palestinian civilians amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

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