A draft resolution has been circulated by the Palestinians at the United Nations, demanding that Israel cease its 'unlawful presence' in Gaza and the West Bank within six months. This move comes after a ruling by the International Court of Justice in July, which declared Israel's presence in the Palestinian territories as unlawful and in violation of international laws against acquiring lands by force.
The resolution, if adopted by the 193-member General Assembly, would not be legally binding but would serve as a reflection of world opinion. It calls for Israel to comply with international law by withdrawing all military forces from the Palestinian territories, ending settlement activities, dismantling the separation barrier in the West Bank, and allowing displaced Palestinians to return to their original residences.
Israel, however, has rejected the resolution, with its Ambassador to the U.N. denouncing it as a 'reward for terrorism.' The Israeli government maintains that the West Bank is disputed territory and has annexed east Jerusalem, actions that are not internationally recognized. It withdrew from Gaza in 2005 but has maintained a blockade since Hamas took power in 2007.
The proposed resolution also includes demands for accountability for violations of international law, sanctions against those supporting Israel's presence in the territories, and restrictions on arms exports to Israel if they are suspected of being used in the occupied areas.
Violence in the region has escalated, with over 40,900 Palestinians killed in Gaza since October, according to the Health Ministry. In the West Bank, settler violence has increased, and Israeli military raids have resulted in the deaths of 692 Palestinians. Palestinian militants have also carried out attacks on Israelis within the territory.
The Palestinians seek the West Bank, east Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip for an independent state, while the international community generally considers these areas to be occupied territory. The proposed resolution is expected to be put to a vote before the General Assembly's annual high-level meetings begin on September 22.
