For the first time in 42 years, the UN General Assembly voted in favor of sanctions on Israel, calling on member states to implement travel bans and asset freezes against individuals and entities involved in maintaining Israel’s unlawful presence in Palestinian territories, including settler violence. The resolution emphasized the need for adherence to international law and respect for the ICJ’s opinion.
On September 18, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution demanding the Israeli government end its occupation of Palestinian territories within 12 months, following a recent International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion declaring the occupation unlawful. The Palestine-led resolution, co-sponsored by dozens of countries, calls for Israel to withdraw all military forces from Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. The resolution was supported by 124 member states, with 14 opposing and 43 abstaining.
Among the 14 countries that opposed the resolution were Israel and its key ally, the United States. The United Kingdom, which recently suspended some arms exports to Israel, abstained from the vote. Global Justice Now (GJN) criticized the U.K. ‘s abstention, stating it ignored the suffering of Palestinians living under military-enforced racial discrimination. Tim Bierley of GJN called for the U.K. to close loopholes in its arms embargo and reassess trade relations with Israel, as reported Reuters.
The resolution comes nearly two months after the ICJ’s advisory ruling, which concluded that Israel’s occupation is illegal and should end promptly. Despite the Biden administration’s criticism of the ICJ ruling, organizations such as the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) welcomed the UN’s action, calling for further international pressure to end Israel’s occupation.
The resolution, though non-binding, symbolizes the increasing international pressure on Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to negotiate a ceasefire and secure the return of hostages in Gaza as the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel nears. Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon condemned the resolution as “diplomatic terrorism” and urged countries to reject it. Ultimately, 124 members voted in favor, 14 against, and several abstained.
U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield also opposed the resolution, arguing that it undermined the two-state solution and overlooked Hamas’ role in the Gaza conflict. According to The Economist, the vote indicated the U.S.’s “diminishing influence” at the UN, despite being its largest financial supporter.
+ There are no comments
Add yours