The United Nations General Assembly is preparing to vote next week on a Palestinian draft resolution demanding that Israel withdraw from what it terms as “occupied” Palestinian territories within six months. The resolution, authored by the Palestinian Authority, follows a July advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that declared Israel’s settlement activities in these areas as illegal and called for an end to them “as rapidly as possible.”
The draft resolution, supported by the Arab Group, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Non-Aligned Movement, specifically sets a six-month deadline for Israel to withdraw. A vote on the resolution has been scheduled for September 18, just days before world leaders arrive in New York for the annual UN gathering. While the resolution is not legally binding, it carries significant political weight and could influence global opinion on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Give the gift of hope
We practice what we preach:
accurate, fearless journalism. But we can't do it alone.
- On the ground in Gaza, Syria, Israel, Egypt, Pakistan, and more
- Our program trained more than 100 journalists
- Calling out fake news and reporting real facts
- On the ground in Gaza, Syria, Israel, Egypt, Pakistan, and more
- Our program trained more than 100 journalists
- Calling out fake news and reporting real facts
Join us.
Support The Media Line. Save democracy.
Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon has urged the General Assembly to reject the resolution, labeling it “disgraceful” and calling for a counter-resolution that condemns Hamas and demands the release of all hostages. He argued that the resolution undermines Israel’s security and ignores the context of ongoing violence, particularly in light of the recent Gaza conflict that began in October 2023 following a surprise incursion by Hamas.
The ICJ’s advisory opinion, while not enforceable, is considered a critical reference in international law and could affect global perceptions of Israel’s presence in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem—areas that the Palestinians seek for a future state. The ICJ had recommended that the occupation be ended “as rapidly as possible,” a stance that the draft resolution amplifies by setting a clear timeline.