The United Nations General Assembly voted 124-14 to revoke Israel's right to self-defense against Palestinian terrorism in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. The resolution is based on a July advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice, which deemed Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories illegal according to the Jerusalem Post news reports.
The resolution urges member states not to provide arms or military equipment to Israel for use in these areas and calls for a boycott of Israeli products made beyond the pre-1967 borders. Although the resolution holds only declaratory power, it offers international support to countries seeking to take further action against Israel. Notably, it does not address Hamas, the October 7 invasion of Israel, or the situation of 101 hostages in Gaza, and imposes no obligations on Hamas or Palestinians regarding attacks on Israel.
Countries opposing the resolution included the U.S., Israel, and several others, while notable abstentions came from Australia, Canada, and various European nations. Some nations, including New Zealand and 13 EU members, supported the resolution.
Canadian Ambassador Bob Rae criticized the resolution, emphasizing that it unfairly places sole responsibility for the conflict on Israel and lacks a call to end terrorism. Israel's Foreign Ministry condemned the resolution as disconnected from reality and harmful to peace efforts.
Lebanon's Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, stated that his government would file a complaint with the UN Security Council regarding the resolution, asserting that it ignores international laws. Following the vote, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the decision, urging member states to act on it.
U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield reiterated that Israel has the right to defend itself, especially in light of ongoing threats from Hamas. Likud MK Dan Illouz criticized the UN for its stance, arguing that it threatens the rights of free nations to defend themselves against terrorism.
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