Department of Research, Strategic Studies and International Relations 18-09-2024

Although the UN General Assembly’s resolutions are non-binding, the resolution would hold political weight, especially alongside the ICJ’s recent advisory opinion deeming the occupation illegal.

The United Nations General Assembly will adopt a Palestinian-drafted resolution on Wednesday, demanding “Israel” end “its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory” within 12 months.

This command will isolate the occupation a few days before world leaders attend the annual UN gathering held in New York on September 26. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to address the 193-member assembly, on the same day as Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

The draft resolution seeks to incorporate the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) advisory opinion deeming “Israel’s” occupation of Palestinian territories and settlements illegal, in order to demand the regime’s withdrawal.

The advisory opinion by the UN’s highest judicial authority, known as the World Court, urged for this action to be completed “as rapidly as possible.” However, the General Assembly resolution allows for a 12-month timeframe.

The draft resolution is Palestine’s first formal submission since it gained additional rights and privileges this month, as well as obtaining a seat in the assembly hall and the right to propose draft resolutions.

US, ‘Israel’ condemn draft resolution

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US ambassador to the UN, urged Wednesday for nations to vote against the resolution.

The United States has been “Israel’s” strongest ally during its ongoing genocide in Gaza, opposing unilateral measures that hinder a two-state solution or permanent ceasefire.

Although the ICJ’s advisory opinion is non-binding, it holds significant influence under international law and may weaken the occupation’s support. This is similar to the General Assembly’s case, where the non-binding resolution carries political weight.

“Each country has a vote, and the world is watching us,” Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour told the General Assembly on Tuesday.

“Please stand on the right side of history. With international law. With freedom. With peace,” he urged.

The occupation’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon rejected the Palestinian draft resolution, claiming it is “diplomatic terrorism, using the tools of diplomacy not to build bridges but to destroy them.”

The draft resolution requires a two-thirds majority from present members to be adopted on Wednesday.

Mansour told reporters on Monday that despite expecting the resolution to be adopted, he believes it is likely it will have less support compared to the resolutions presented last year.

US thinks UN has ‘Israel’ problem: US envoy

Thomas-Greenfield expressed Thursday that she believes the UN has an “Israel” issue when questioned on the matter.

“I think that we have an Israel problem in the UN,” Greenfield responded, asserting that the United Nations has placed an undue emphasis on the Israeli occupation, claiming that even before October 7, “Israel” has been a constant topic on the UN’s agenda.

No other nation in the world has had a monthly meeting on the council’s agenda in decades, implying an undue concentration on “Israel” in the UN, and “it is problematic,” Thomas-Greenfield noted.

It is noteworthy that while Thomas-Greenfield makes these assertions, the very issue of “Israel” and all the chaos it continues to cause in the Middle East remains unresolved as it continues to pummel Gaza with airstrikes and kill civilians, targeting civilian villages in Lebanon, and conduct raids in the West Bank, arresting and killing Palestinians.