The UN General Assembly urged Israel to withdraw from all territories occupied since 1967, reaffirming the Palestinian people’s rights and condemning settlement policies as violations of international law.

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution calling for the full termination of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories captured in 1967, including East Jerusalem. The measure passed with overwhelming support: 151 nations voted in favor, 11 opposed, and another 11 abstained.

Submitted by Palestine and several supporting states—Jordan, Djibouti, Senegal, Qatar and Mauritania—the resolution underscores the Palestinians’ right to self-determination, statehood, and a fair solution for refugees based on UN Resolution 194. It stresses that a just and comprehensive peace remains essential for stability in the Middle East.

Reaffirming that “the acquisition of territory by force cannot be recognized,” the Assembly declared all Israeli practices in occupied areas unlawful, including policies altering the demographic character of East Jerusalem and other Palestinian territories. It demanded an immediate halt to settlement expansion, describing it as a serious breach of international humanitarian law.

The resolution further denounces attacks on civilians and highlights the obligation to protect Palestinian civilians—especially children—under international law. It calls on Israel to end its prolonged occupation, dismantle settlements, and revoke legislation that enables or legitimizes illegal activities in the occupied territories.

The Assembly also referenced the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion released in July 2024, which found Israel’s continued occupation incompatible with international legal standards. It reminded member states not to recognize Israeli sovereignty beyond the 1967 lines and to refrain from any assistance that could support settlement activity, echoing Security Council Resolution 465.

Declaring Gaza an integral part of the Palestinian homeland, the resolution stresses the need to safeguard the territorial unity of Gaza and the West Bank and urges efforts toward reunification under a single Palestinian administration.

The Assembly called on all parties to avoid provocations, respect international law, and cease actions that heighten tensions in the region. It reiterated that the two-state framework remains the internationally endorsed path toward a just and lasting peace.

International outlets including Anadolu Agency, Bernama and Mehr News reported on the vote, noting that the wide support signals renewed global pressure for an end to the decades-old occupation.(ILKHA)