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‘Beginning of the end’: Celebrations mark UN vote on resolution to end Israeli occupation

International community celebrated the historic vote, but questions remain about the practical impact of the resolution
Palestinian representative Riyad Mansour applauds the result of a vote on the legal consequences of Israel's actions in the Palestinian territories at UN headquarters in New York City, on 18 September 2024 (Bryan Smith/AFP)
Palestinian representative Riyad Mansour applauds the result of a vote on the legal consequences of Israel's actions in the Palestinian territories at UN headquarters in New York City, on 18 September 2024 (Bryan Smith/AFP)

The United Nations General Assembly voted decisively on Wednesday in favour of a nonbinding resolution put forward by the Palestinian Authority demanding that Israel end its “unlawful presence” in Gaza and the West Bank within a year.

The resolution, which was based on the July advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), also demands the withdrawal of all Israeli forces and the removal of Israeli settlers from the occupied Palestinian territories. 

Some 124 countries voted in favour of the resolution at UN headquarters in New York City, while 14 countries voted against it, including Israel, Argentina, Hungary and the United States.

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The 43 countries that abstained include US allies Australia, Canada, Germany, the UK and Ukraine.

Pro-Palestinian social media accounts like the Palestinian-led Boycott, Sanctions and Divestment (BDS) movement immediately celebrated the passing of the resolution, viewing it as an affirmation that "the historic ruling by the ICJ triggers the legal obligation of all states to end complicity in Israel's illegal occupation and apartheid regime". 

Many social media users acknowledged that the resolution is nonbinding but still deem the results as a testament to Israel’s “increasing isolation” in the international community.

 Others are more hopeful about the outcome and see this as the “beginning of the end” of Israel’s occupation. 

In contrast, many social media users have expressed frustration with the lack of impact that institutions like the ICJ or the UN have had in the course of Israel’s war on Gaza

Palestinian human rights lawyer Noura Erakat acknowledged this frustration and the potential damage that it has on the entire institution of international law.

“On the same day, UN experts warn that the entire international order is at risk of crumbling for the systemic disregard for international law and regulation regarding the question of Palestine.” 

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