Uzbekistan joined 123 other countries in voting for a United Nations General Assembly resolution demanding the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the occupied Palestinian territories within 12 months. The resolution, passed with 124 votes in favor, 14 against, and 43 abstentions, calls for the cessation of Israel’s occupation and settlement expansions, the return of occupied lands and property, and the right of displaced Palestinians to return. If Israel fails to comply, the resolution suggests that sanctions be imposed.
The resolution was proposed by the State of Palestine and co-sponsored by dozens of countries. It is based on an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice, which declared Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories since 1967 "unlawful." The resolution further demands compensation for Palestinians impacted by the occupation and encourages nations to enforce sanctions against those involved in sustaining Israel's presence in the occupied territories.
The United States and Israel were among the 14 countries that voted against the resolution. Israel's UN Ambassador, Danny Danon, strongly condemned the vote, calling it a "shameful decision" that backed what he described as "diplomatic terrorism" by the Palestinian Authority. He further criticized the General Assembly for failing to condemn Hamas, which he accused of orchestrating violence against Israelis, particularly referencing the October 7 Hamas attacks. Danon emphasized that the resolution did nothing to address the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas.
The United States also opposed the resolution, with Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield calling it "seditious" and arguing that it would not contribute to peace but instead fuel further conflict. The US delegation highlighted the resolution's failure to address Hamas's control over Gaza, its acts of terrorism, and Israel's right to defend itself from such threats. The US mission called the resolution “one-sided” and warned that it could hinder efforts to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza and stall progress toward a two-state solution.
Despite the opposition, the resolution received widespread support, reflecting global concern over Israel's continued presence in the Palestinian territories. Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour praised the vote as a "turning point" in the Palestinian struggle for self-determination, saying it sent a clear message that Israel's occupation must end.
The resolution also demands the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces and the evacuation of settlers from the occupied Palestinian territories, as well as the cessation of arms exports to Israel suspected of being used in these territories. It urges UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to provide a report within three months on the implementation of the resolution, including actions taken by Israel, other states, and international organizations.
The resolution is non-binding, but its adoption is seen as a significant reflection of world opinion. Unlike the UN Security Council, where vetoes can be exercised, no member state has veto power in the General Assembly. The resolution also comes on the heels of a ruling by the International Court of Justice, which reaffirmed that Israel's presence in the Palestinian territories is illegal and must end.
The vote demonstrates increasing global support for ending the Israeli occupation and reinforces calls for a peaceful two-state solution, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have both urged Israel to heed the call to end its occupation and respect Palestinian rights.
The UN resolution, while not legally binding, adds pressure on Israel to address its occupation policies. As international efforts continue to push for a resolution to the decades-long conflict, the global community's stance on this issue remains clear, with Uzbekistan standing among those advocating for Palestinian self-determination.
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