Palestinians Propose UN Resolution for Israeli Withdrawal from Territories

The Palestinian delegation has introduced a draft resolution to the United Nations General Assembly, calling for Israel to terminate its presence in Gaza and the West Bank within a six-month timeframe. This proposal comes in the wake of a significant ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in July 2024, which declared Israel's presence in Palestinian territories unlawful and mandated its cessation.

The draft resolution, if adopted, would not be legally binding but would serve as a barometer of global opinion on the matter. The United Nations General Assembly, comprising 193 member states, operates without the veto power present in the 15-member Security Council, potentially allowing for a more representative vote.

"Let it be clear: Nothing will stop Israel or deter it from its mission to bring home the hostages and eliminate Hamas"

Danny Danon, Israel's ambassador to the UN, strongly criticized the resolution, labeling it a "reward for terrorism" and urging its rejection.

The proposal demands Israel's compliance with international law, including the immediate withdrawal of all military forces from Palestinian territories. It also calls for an end to new settlement activities, the evacuation of existing settlers, and the dismantling of the separation barrier in the West Bank. The barrier, known as the Israeli West Bank barrier, has been a source of controversy since its construction.

The resolution further advocates for the return of displaced Palestinians to their original residences and for Israel to provide reparations for damages caused in the territories. This aligns with the long-standing issue of Palestinian refugees, which has been a key point of contention since the establishment of Israel.

The timing of this resolution is significant, coming amidst ongoing conflict in Gaza and escalating violence in the West Bank. The Gaza conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, following Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel, has entered its 11th month. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports over 40,900 casualties in Gaza, with widespread destruction and displacement affecting approximately 90% of its 2.3 million residents.

The West Bank has also seen a surge in violence, with increased settler attacks and Israeli military operations resulting in 692 Palestinian fatalities, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. These developments have further complicated the already complex Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has its roots in the 1967 Six-Day War when Israel captured the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip.

Israel's control over these territories has been a subject of international debate and legal scrutiny. While Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005, it has maintained a blockade since Hamas took power in 2007. The West Bank remains under Israeli military occupation, with Israeli settlements considered illegal under international law.

As the UN General Assembly prepares for its annual high-level meetings starting September 22, 2024, the Palestinian delegation aims to bring this resolution to a vote. Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian UN Ambassador, expressed urgency in introducing the resolution, stating, "We are sick and tired of waiting. The time for waiting is over."

This resolution represents a significant diplomatic effort by Palestinians to leverage international law and opinion in their pursuit of statehood and an end to Israeli occupation. However, its potential impact on the ground remains uncertain, given the complex realities of the ongoing conflict and the divergent positions of the parties involved.