United Nations Calls for Israel's Occupation to End

Middle EastThu Sep 19 2024
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The United Nations General Assembly has passed a non-binding resolution demanding that Israel end its "unlawful presence" in the occupied West Bank and Gaza within a year. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 124-14, with 43 abstentions. The United States, Israel's closest ally, was among the countries that opposed the resolution. The resolution comes as Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza approaches its first anniversary and as violence in the West Bank reaches new highs. The conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with millions of people facing poverty, unemployment, and a lack of access to basic necessities like food, water, and healthcare. The resolution also calls for Israel to pay reparations to Palestinians for the damage caused by its occupation and urges countries to take steps to prevent trade or investments that maintain Israel's presence in the territories. The resolution is not legally binding, but it reflects the widespread opposition to Israel's occupation among the international community. The United Nations has long been a major player in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the General Assembly's resolution is just the latest in a long line of condemnations of Israel's actions. The United Nations has repeatedly called for Israel to end its occupation and for the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state. The resolution is seen as a major setback for Israel, which has long resisted international pressure to end its occupation. The Israeli government has consistently argued that its presence in the West Bank and Gaza is necessary for its security, and that it will not withdraw until a peace agreement is reached with the Palestinians. The resolution is also a major victory for the Palestinian people, who have been fighting for their rights and freedoms for decades. The Palestinians have long argued that they have a right to self-determination, and that Israel's occupation is a violation of their human rights.