Press Release: General Assembly adopts historic resolution demanding that Israel ends its illegal presence in the OPT within 12 months
Press Release
Permanent Observer Mission of the State of Palestine to the United Nations
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The General Assembly adopts a historic resolution demanding that Israel ends its illegal presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory within twelve months.
New York, 18 September 2024 – Today, the United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted a historic resolution presented by the State of Palestine demanding for an end to Israel’s illegal presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. This resolution follows the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice issued on 19 July 2024 opinion regarding Israel’s illegal occupation and discriminatory policies and practices, and the consequences therein on Israel, third States, and the United Nations.
H.E. Minister Dr. Riyad Mansour, Permanent Representative of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, delivered a speech before the 10th Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly, stating: “Palestinians want to live, not survive. They want to be safe in their homes. They want their children to go to school without fear. They want to be free in reality, as they are in spirit.”
This resolution is the first-ever to be presented by the State of Palestine since it gained additional rights and privileges at the United Nations in May 2024. The resolution demands, inter alia, that Israel ends its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory no later than twelve months, cease all settlement activities, evacuate settlers, dismantle the wall, and repeal all racist legislation.
The resolution also urges all states not to recognize the legality of the situation resulting from Israel’s illegal presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and to refrain from providing any assistance in maintaining this situation.
After the resolution’s adoption, Minister Mansour stated: “This resolution marks a turning point in our struggle for freedom and justice. It sends a clear message that Israel’s occupation must end as soon as possible, and that the Palestinian people’ right to self-determination must be realized.”
Minister Mansour emphasized: “Our priority is to secure a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. As we speak today, Gaza is enduring a continuing genocide. Israel has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians. What is happening in Gaza is a stain on the conscience of humanity.”
The Ambassador stressed that support for this resolution is a first step toward ending Israel’s impunity, the fundamental path for justice and peace, noting that “Israel cannot continue committing genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, and maintaining its occupation without international deterrence. Today, the international community has spoken loudly and clearly – the time has come to end this occupation.”
The Mission of the State of Palestine calls on the international community to take concrete steps to ensure the implementation of this UN resolution, in order to achieve a just and comprehensive peace, independent and sovereign State of Palestine along the June 7, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
END.