The UN General Assembly has overwhelmingly voted, with 124 in favor and 12 against, to demand that Israel end its occupation of Palestinian territories within a year. This resolution, supported by an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), calls for reparations for the Palestinian people and condemns Israel's actions in Gaza, which have resulted in over 41,250 Palestinian deaths.
Israel seized the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem in 1967 and later annexed East Jerusalem in 1980, continuing to build settlements in contravention of the Fourth Geneva Convention. The United States, along with Czechia, Hungary, Argentina, and several Pacific nations, opposed the resolution, while France, Finland, and Mexico supported it.
The UK, Ukraine, and Canada abstained from voting. The resolution, submitted by Palestine, a permanent observer state, was welcomed by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who called for global action.
Critics, including Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East, condemned Canada's abstention as a failure to uphold international law and support Palestinian freedom. The resolution is non-binding but highlights growing international frustration with the ongoing Israeli occupation and the perceived protection Israel receives from the US.
