The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a Palestinian resolution demanding that Israel end its “unlawful presence” in the occupied Palestinian territory within 12 months.
Israel has occupied the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 1967. In July, the International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion describing Israel’s presence as “unlawful.”
The nonbinding resolution was adopted on Wednesday with support from 124 countries, including Japan.
Representatives of numerous nations were seen forming a line to shake their hands with the Palestinian ambassador.
Meanwhile, 43 countries, including Britain and Germany abstained, while 14 nations, including the US, voted against the resolution.
The resolution also demands Israel withdraw all its forces, halt new settlement activity and evacuate settlers from the territory.
It asks for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to submit a report within three months on the implementation of the resolution.
There is little possibility Israel will abide by the resolution. But the bid is intended to increase international pressure on Israel.
It remains to be seen whether it will have any impact on Israel’s intensifying offensive in the Palestinian-controlled West Bank.