UN General Assembly to Vote on Palestinian Resolution Against Israel

The UN General Assembly is set to vote on a Palestinian resolution calling for Israel to end its presence in Gaza and the West Bank within a year. The vote comes as violence escalates and marks the first anniversary of Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza. The resolution, if passed, will reflect world opinion but is not legally binding.

The UN General Assembly will cast a highly anticipated vote Wednesday on a Palestinian resolution demanding the termination of Israel's “unlawful presence” in Gaza and the occupied West Bank within a year, the withdrawal of military forces, and the evacuation of all settlers.

This vote comes as Israel's conflict with Hamas in Gaza nears its first anniversary and as violence in the West Bank intensifies. The ongoing conflict was sparked by Hamas attacks in southern Israel on October 7.

Palestinian U.N. ambassador Riyad Mansour opened Tuesday's assembly meeting by emphasizing that Palestinians face an “existential threat.” He argued that Israel has kept Palestinians “in shackles” and insisted that an end to Israel's lengthy occupation is essential for Palestinians to live in peace and freedom.

(With inputs from agencies.)