UN Adopts Resolution Urging End to Israeli Occupation, Renewing Support for Two-State Solution

UNGA Reaffirms Palestinians’ Right to Self-Determination in Overwhelming Vote

New York: The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted a resolution calling for Israel’s withdrawal from all Palestinian occupied territory since 1967, including East Jerusalem, and reaffirming the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people—foremost their right to self-determination, the establishment of an independent state, and a just solution to the Palestinian refugee issue in accordance with Resolution 194 (1948).

The resolution was passed during the UNGA’s 80th session under agenda item 35, with 151 votes in favour, 11 against and 11 abstentions.

The General Assembly reaffirmed the UN’s permanent responsibility towards the question of Palestine until it is resolved in all its aspects in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions. It underscored that achieving a just, lasting and comprehensive settlement—as the core of the Arab-Israeli conflict—is essential for peace and stability in the Middle East, and emphasized that the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples is a cornerstone of the UN Charter.

The resolution reiterated the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by force, stressing the need to respect the unity and territorial integrity of the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem.

It stated that Israel, as the occupying power, must not obstruct the Palestinian people’s exercise of their right to self-determination, including the establishment of an independent and sovereign state on all occupied Palestinian territory. It further stressed that all states are obligated, under international law, to work toward the removal of obstacles arising from Israel’s illegal presence that impede this right.

The UNGA also reaffirmed the illegality of Israeli settlement activities and all unilateral measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of Jerusalem and the occupied Palestinian territory, including the wall and its associated regime, demanding their immediate cessation. It condemned the use of force against Palestinian civilians, particularly children, in violation of international law, and emphasized the need to ensure the safety and protection of all civilians in the Middle East, while rejecting all acts of violence and terrorism against civilians on all sides.

The resolution reiterated the urgent need to end the Israeli occupation that began in 1967, and affirmed the right of all states in the region to live in peace within secure and internationally recognized borders. It renewed calls for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on relevant UN resolutions, including Security Council Resolution 2334 (2016), the Madrid terms of reference, the land-for-peace principle and the Arab Peace Initiative. It also reaffirmed unwavering support for a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders, with Palestine and Israel living side by side in peace and security.