UN Orders Israel to Withdraw from Palestinian Territories Within 12 Months

The United Nations General Assembly has passed a resolution demanding that Israel withdraw entirely from Palestinian territories within the next year.

Adopted on Wednesday, September 18, the resolution urges Israel to “end without delay its unlawful presence” in all “occupied Palestinian territory,” including the removal of soldiers and civilians.

The resolution emphasizes the need for a full withdrawal within 12 months, marking a critical deadline for compliance.

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This move comes after a July advisory ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which stated that Israel’s control of these territories and settlements is illegal and should be reversed as rapidly as possible.

The General Assembly echoed this sentiment, giving Israel a year to comply.

Additionally, the resolution calls on international states to halt arms transfers and cease importing products originating from Israeli settlements in the occupied areas.

 Israel, the United States, and 12 other nations opposed the measure, with Israel condemning the decision as “cynical international politics.”

The Israeli Foreign Ministry argued that the resolution strengthens terrorism and weakens the chances for peace, noting that it follows the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.

However, with 124 nations supporting the resolution, it marks a significant international stance on the issue of Israeli occupation.