A United Nations General Assembly resolution passed on Wednesday has set a deadline for Israel to end its illegal occupation of Palestinian territory within 12 months. The resolution is not legally binding but calls for Israel to comply with international law, withdraw its military forces, cease settlement activities, and allow Palestinians displaced during the occupation to return to their homes.
The resolution was based on an advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice that declared the occupation illegal and obligated states to not support it. The resolution was approved by 124 member states, with Israel, the United States, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Malawi, and some Pacific island countries voting against it.
The US and other countries that abstained from the vote cited concerns about Israel’s right to defend itself, but experts argue that occupying territory does not fall under this right. Despite the resolution’s passage, experts believe it may not lead to immediate changes on the ground.
Palestinians continue to face violence and displacement, with Israeli forces demolishing structures and displacing thousands of people in 2024 alone. The resolution highlights the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine and the international community’s stance on the occupation.
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