The United Nations General Assembly is expected to vote next week on a Palestinian draft resolution. This resolution demands Israel end its “unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory” within six months.
Prepared by the Palestinian Authority, the draft welcomes a July advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The ICJ declared Israel’s occupation and settlements in Palestinian territories illegal and recommended their withdrawal as swiftly as possible. However, the draft resolution specifies a six-month deadline.
The Arab Group, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Non-Aligned Movement requested the 193-member U.N. General Assembly to vote on 18 September. The content of the eight-page draft resolution might change before the vote. The timing coincides with the arrival of world leaders in New York for their annual U.N. meeting.
Israeli U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon urged the General Assembly to reject the resolution and instead condemn Hamas, calling for the immediate release of hostages. Although the ICJ’s advisory opinion is not binding, it holds significant weight under international law and could weaken support for Israel. Similarly, a General Assembly resolution is not binding but carries political influence.
Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem during the 1967 Middle East war. These areas, which the Palestinians claim for a future state, have since seen the construction and expansion of Israeli settlements.
The current conflict in Gaza began on 7 October 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israeli communities, resulting in around 1,200 deaths and about 250 abductions, according to Israeli sources. In response, Israel’s military has significantly damaged the Palestinian enclave, displacing nearly all of its 2.3 million residents. This has led to severe hunger, disease, and at least 40,000 deaths, according to Palestinian health officials.
On 27 October, the General Assembly called for an immediate humanitarian truce. It later demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in December.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Security Council Fails to Recommend Full United Nations Membership for Palestine due to a United States veto, despite widespread international support for Palestinian self-determination and statehood. (read more)
- US News reports that the UN General Assembly is likely to vote next week on a Palestinian draft resolution demanding Israel terminate its presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory within six months. (read more)
- United Nations Overwhelmingly Backs Palestine’s Upgraded Status as Observer State, Condemning Israeli Actions in Gaza and Urging International Support for Palestinian Sovereignty. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is the United Nations General Assembly voting on next week?
A Palestinian draft resolution demanding Israel end its presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory within six months.
What did the International Court of Justice say about Israel’s occupation?
The ICJ said Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories and settlements is illegal and should be withdrawn rapidly.
Is the ICJ’s advisory opinion binding?
No, the ICJ’s advisory opinion is not binding but carries weight under international law.
What did Israel’s U.N. Ambassador call for instead of the resolution?
Israel’s U.N. Ambassador called for a resolution condemning Hamas and demanding the immediate release of all hostages.
What has been the impact of the current war in the Gaza Strip?
The war has driven nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million people from their homes and caused deadly hunger, disease, and over 40,000 deaths.