In a landmark decision, the UN General Assembly has adopted a Palestinian-drafted, non-binding resolution demanding that Israel end “its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory” within 12 months. The resolution, crafted by Palestine and inspired by a recent advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), passed with 124 votes in favor, 14 against, and 43 abstentions.
Resolution Overview
The resolution calls for Israel to immediately withdraw its military forces from the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. It also demands an end to all settlement activities, the evacuation of existing settlers, the dismantling of the separation barrier in the West Bank, and reparations for damages caused. Additionally, it includes calls for accountability measures, sanctions against those responsible for upholding the occupation, and a halt to arms exports to Israel if used in the territories.
The resolution follows a July advisory opinion from the ICJ, which declared Israel’s occupation of these territories as illegal under international law. Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour described the vote as a critical juncture in the struggle for Palestinian freedom and justice, asserting that “the time for waiting is over.” Conversely, the Israeli representative denounced the resolution as “diplomatic terrorism,” claiming it undermines peace efforts and encourages terrorism.
African Nations’ Voting Record
The resolution received notable backing from African nations. Here is how African countries voted:
In Favor:
- A: Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan
- B: Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi
- C: Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde, Chad
- D: Djibouti,
- E: Egypt, Eritrea, Eswatini
- G: Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau
- K: Kenya
- L: Lesotho, Liberia, Libya
- M: Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Madagascar
- N: Namibia, Nigeria, Niger
- S: Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan
- T: Tunisia, Tanzania
- U: Uganda
- Z: Zimbabwe
Against:
- M: Malawi
Abstained:
- D: Democratic Republic of the Congo
- E: Ethiopia
- K: Kenya
- L: Liberia
- R: Rwanda
The strong support from African nations highlights their solidarity with the Palestinian cause and reflects a unified stance on the need for an end to the Israeli occupation. Malawi’s vote against the resolution and Rwanda’s abstention illustrate the varied positions within Africa on this complex issue. This voting pattern underscores Africa’s influential role in shaping international policy and advocating for human rights and justice on the global stage.
Implications and Reactions
The resolution’s passage is a significant symbolic and political gesture, highlighting global divisions over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While not legally binding, it reflects a broad international consensus on the need for an end to the occupation and carries substantial weight in international diplomacy.
The resolution’s timing is notable, coming amid ongoing violence in Gaza and the West Bank, where clashes have intensified over the past year. The advisory opinion from the ICJ had previously underscored the illegality of Israeli settlements and the need for Israel to comply with international law.
African nations’ strong support for the resolution illustrates the continent’s commitment to addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and advocating for international legal standards. This development may influence future diplomatic efforts and discussions regarding the conflict as the international community continues to grapple with the complex issues surrounding the region.
