UN General Assembly Overwhelmingly Passes Resolution Calling to End Israeli Occupation of Palestine

SEAToday.com, New York - On Wednesday (9/18), the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) overwhelmingly voted to pass a resolution demanding an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestine within the next twelve months.

The vote was held during the 10th emergency special session considering “Israeli actions in occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory”, with 124 nations in favor, 14 against, and 43 abstentions. The resolution called on Israel to comply with international law and withdraw its military forces, immediately cease all new settlement activity, evacuate all settlers from occupied land, and dismantle parts of the separation wall in the occupied West Bank.

The UNGA further demanded Israel to return land and other seized assets since the occupation started in 1967, as well as the return of all displaced Palestinians and reparations for the damage caused.

The resolution stems from the ICJ’s advisory opinion that declared Israel’s continued presence in the territory “is unlawful”. The Assembly also deemed Israel’s continued breaches and disregard of the UN Charter “seriously threaten” regional and international peace and security.