UNGA vote next week: A chance to end occupation
It is important to know that the United Nations General Assembly draft resolution is happening next week. This resolution aims to call on Israel to end its illegal occupation of Palestinian territory. For the last 6 months, Israel has illegally occupied Palestine’s territory. The goal of the Palestine authority is clear and with that aim, they wrote this draft.
It aims to support the July advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice, which stated that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land and its settlements is illegal and should be removed. If the resolution is successful then it is one of the significant steps in favour of Palestine. This is also an important action in addressing the long-standing conflict between Israel and Palestine and bringing more attention to this pressing issue on the global stage.
This advisory opinion from the United Nations is a significant development. The World Court also said that rapid action is required. Also, the structure timeline is set by the draft resolution of the United Nations General Assembly. Only 6 six months is the time limit. This shows a stronger sense of urgency to address the issue. Many groups also requested that the 193 members of the United Nations General Assembly vote on this matter in the next week of 18 September. These groups include the Arab Group, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Non-Aligned Movement
It’s worth noting that the eight-page draft resolution could still change before the vote, which leaves room for adjustments in the language or approach. This upcoming vote will likely be a crucial moment in determining the future course of action, as it reflects the growing global attention and pressure on this issue.
The date of the upcoming vote is important. It takes place just before the leaders across the world gather in New York for the annual United Nations gathering. Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon, has called on the General Assembly to reject what he calls a disgraceful resolution. He argued that they should pass the resolution against Hamas and also demand to free all hostages. However, the opinion of the International Court of Justice(ICJ) is not legally binding. It has many significance under international laws and lessens the support for Israel.
United Nations General Assembly resolution
Similarly, a resolution passed by the General Assembly is not legally enforceable, but it carries political weight and can influence international opinion. Both actions could have serious implications for Israel, making this vote especially critical.
With the passage of time, the situation in the Middle East is getting worse. Back to the 1967 war, when Israel took control of Palestine’s territories such as the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. All of these regions have a desire to develop their own state. But Israel continued its settlements in these regions which only complicate the situation and nothing else.
The latest escalation in the Gaza Strip began on October 7, 2023. On that day, Hamas gunmen carried out a severe attack on Israeli communities, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 people and the abduction of about 250 hostages, according to Israeli reports. This violent conflict has significantly heightened tensions and added to the already complex and troubled history of the region. The situation remains fluid and deeply impactful, with serious consequences for both Israelis and Palestinians.
In the Palestinian enclave, the situation is extremely tragic. Israel’s military actions became the cause of many disasters. They devastated many areas and also compelled many people to leave their homes without any shelter and security. This situation is getting worse with the shortage of food and widespread diseases. Many Palestinians lost their lives, according to Palestine Health Authority.
The General Assembly, showing deep concern, first called for an immediate humanitarian truce on October 27. Later, it strongly demanded a complete ceasefire in December. These steps highlight the urgent need for action to address the immense suffering and crisis faced by the people in the region.
