UN Votes on Palestinian Resolution to End Israeli Occupation

The United Nations General Assembly will vote on a Palestinian-drafted resolution demanding Israel end its occupation of Palestinian territories within 12 months. The resolution follows an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice and faces opposition from the U.S. The vote is scheduled for Wednesday.

The United Nations General Assembly is set to vote on a significant Palestinian-drafted resolution demanding that Israel terminate its occupation of the Palestinian territories within 12 months. This action comes days ahead of the annual U.N. gathering in New York, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas are both scheduled to speak.

The resolution aims to formalize a July advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice, which declared Israel’s occupation and settlements illegal. While the court’s opinion urged immediate withdrawal, the draft General Assembly resolution provides a 12-month timeline for Israel to comply.

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield has called on member countries to reject the resolution, citing concerns over its impact on the two-state solution. Though non-binding, the resolution holds political significance. Palestinian U.N. Ambassador Riyad Mansour has urged nations to 'stand on the right side of history,' while Israel's U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon condemned the resolution as 'diplomatic terrorism.'

(With inputs from agencies.)