There were 43 abstentions, 14 votes against, including one from Israel, and 124 in favor. Palestine was an observer state and was not eligible to vote.
The resolution is based on an advisory opinion issued in July by the highest court of the United Nations, which said that Israel was violating international law by occupying the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip.
The vote was hailed as a turning point “in our struggle for freedom and justice” by the Palestinian ambassador. However, his counterpart from Israel referred to it as “diplomatic terrorism.”
Resolutions passed by the General Assembly represent the opinions of all members and, while not legally enforceable, have political and symbolic significance.
It follows nearly a year of conflict in Gaza, which started on October 7 when terrorists from Hamas attacked Israel, killing around 1,200 people and kidnapping 251 more.
Since then, over 41,110 people have passed away in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in the area.
During the same time period, there has also been an increase in violence in the West Bank, where the UN reports that over 680 Palestinians and 22 Israelis have died.
A 15-judge panel concluded that “Israel’s continued presence in the occupied Palestinian Territory is unlawful” and that the nation was “under an obligation to bring to an end” its occupation, according to the advisory judgment from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which was likewise not legally binding.
