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With an overwhelming vote of 124 nations in favor, 14 against, and 43 abstentions, the United Nations General Assembly has issued a bold call for Israel to align with international law. This landmark resolution demands immediate action—urging Israel to withdraw military forces, halt settlement expansions, and dismantle sections of the controversial separation wall within the occupied West Bank.

The resolution doesn’t stop there: it also requires Israel to return all land and assets seized since the 1967 occupation, ensuring reparations for the extensive damage inflicted. This powerful decision highlights the global community's growing insistence on justice, as the Assembly pushes for a fair resolution to one of the world’s most enduring conflicts.                                                                                                                             

The resolution follows the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) advisory opinion in July, declaring Israel’s presence in the Palestinian Territories unlawful. The ICJ ruled that all states must avoid recognizing the occupation, and the Assembly emphasized that Israel must face legal consequences for any violations of international law, including humanitarian and human rights laws. A proposal to create an international mechanism for reparations and a register to document damage caused by Israel’s actions was also included.

The Assembly further demanded the return of displaced Palestinians to their places of origin and urged UN Member States to refrain from recognizing Israel's presence in the occupied territories as lawful. Additionally, states were urged to halt the importation of products from Israeli settlements and the transfer of arms that could be used in the occupied territories. Sanctions, such as travel bans and asset freezes, were proposed for those involved in maintaining Israel's unlawful presence.

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the resolution, calling it a historic moment for the Palestinian cause. The ministry appreciated the support of the 124 nations that voted in favor of the resolution, which reflects the international consensus on ending the occupation. The resolution aligns with the ICJ’s opinion, calling for the dismantling of settlements and a timeline of 12 months for Israel to end its illegal occupation.

However, Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, condemned the resolution, referring to it as "diplomatic terrorism," arguing that the resolution is being used to divide rather than build bridges. He criticized the UN for not addressing Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2024.

Israel has maintained that it has the right to impose sovereignty over the West Bank, claiming that the Jewish people have the exclusive right to self-determination in these areas. Since the 1967 war, Israel has expanded its settlements in the West Bank, a point of contention in ongoing international debates.