Palestinians Push UN Resolution to End Israel’s 'Unlawful Presence'

The Palestinians have introduced a draft UN resolution demanding Israel end its 'unlawful presence' in Gaza and the West Bank within six months. The resolution follows a ruling by the International Court of Justice in July declaring Israel's sovereignty over the territories to be illegitimate and calling for an end to settlement activities.

The Palestinians have circulated a draft UN resolution demanding that Israel end its "unlawful presence" in Gaza and the West Bank within six months.

The proposed General Assembly resolution, obtained by The Associated Press, follows a UN court ruling in July that declared Israel's presence in Palestinian territories unlawful, mandating its cessation.

The International Court of Justice condemned Israel's rule over lands captured 57 years ago, stating it had no sovereignty and was violating laws against acquiring land by force, necessitating the halt of settlement expansions.

Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon denounced the resolution, labeling it a 'reward for terrorism,' and urged its rejection.

"Let it be clear: Nothing will stop Israel or deter it from its mission to bring home the hostages and eliminate Hamas," he proclaimed.

The draft resolution emerges as Israel's military assault on Gaza hits its 11th month post-Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel on October 7, with West Bank violence escalating.

Though not legally binding, backing from the 193-member General Assembly would gauge global opinion. Unlike the Security Council, the Assembly lacks veto power.

A council diplomat disclosed the Palestinians' aim for a vote before the General Assembly's high-level meetings on September 22, discussing this privately under anonymity.

The draft urges Israel to comply with international law by withdrawing military forces from Palestinian territories and ceasing new settlement activities, including dismantling the West Bank separation barrier.

It calls for displaced Palestinians' return and reparations for damages, areas Israel views as disputed, subject to negotiation, though its East Jerusalem annexation remains unrecognized. Post-2005 Gaza withdrawal, Israel's blockade persisted after Hamas's 2007 rise to power.

Following October 7 Hamas attacks, Gaza's Health Ministry reports over 40,900 Palestinian deaths, with displacement of 90% of the 2.3 million population amid severe destruction.

Settler violence and Israeli military raids in the West Bank have intensified, killing 692 Palestinians, with increased attacks by Palestinian militants on Israelis.

Having captured the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip in the 1967 war, Israel views these territories as negotiable, whereas Palestinians seek them for statehood, with global consensus labeling them occupied.

Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour announced plans to enshrine the ICJ ruling via a General Assembly resolution, expressing frustration over prolonged delays.

The draft resolution demands accountability for international law violations, sanctions on those maintaining Israel's territorial presence, and halting of arms exports used in the territories.

(With inputs from agencies.)