UN Calls on Israel to End Occupation of Palestinian Territories Within 12 Months
United Nations members voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to demand that Israel end its occupation of Palestinian territories within 12 months. The resolution received 124 votes in favor, while 14 countries, including the United States and Israel, voted against it. The vote comes after the International Court of Justice declared Israel’s presence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem illegal in July.
The UN resolution gives a 12-month timeline for Israel to end its occupation, following the ICJ’s advisory opinion. Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour called the vote a turning point in their struggle for freedom. However, Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, criticized the decision as supporting “diplomatic terrorism.”
While the resolutions are not binding, they could isolate Israel further as world leaders gather for the annual UN General Assembly. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas are expected to address the Assembly on September 26.
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International welcomed the resolution, urging Israel to comply with international law and end the occupation of Palestinian territories.
Source: CNN
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