The resolution passed on Wednesday by the United Nations General Assembly, calling for an end to Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories within 12 months, represents yet another example of misguided international pressure that not only lacks practicality but also undermines prospects for a meaningful peace process.
This failure to address key players in the conflict renders the resolution a toothless and biased gesture that does little to advance the two-state solution
The resolution passed on Wednesday by the United Nations General Assembly, calling for an end to Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories within 12 months, represents yet another example of misguided international pressure that not only lacks practicality but also undermines prospects for a meaningful peace process.
The resolution, passed by 124 votes in favor, 14 against, and 43 abstentions, clearly reflects the General Assembly's long-standing bias against Israel.
By demanding Israel’s withdrawal without addressing the complexities on the ground, such as the threats posed by terrorist organizations like Hamas, the resolution completely ignores the realities of Israel's security concerns.
The fact that the resolution does not even mention Hamas, an organization designated as a terrorist group by many countries, including the United States and the European Union, highlights its one-sided nature.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. ambassador to the UN, rightfully criticized the "incendiary language" used in the resolution, which completely disregards Hamas' control of Gaza and its role in perpetuating violence.
This failure to address key players in the conflict renders the resolution a toothless and biased gesture that does little to advance the two-state solution.
Empty Demands Without Ground Reality
The resolution "demands" that Israel end its "illegal occupation" within 12 months, stop the expansion of settlements, and allow the return of displaced Palestinians. These broad and sweeping demands are unrealistic given the current situation on the ground.
What the resolution fails to acknowledge is that Israel’s actions are driven by legitimate security concerns, particularly given the threat of terrorist groups operating in the region. The failure to provide an honest assessment of these factors makes this resolution largely symbolic and detached from the ground reality.
Moreover, the resolution’s call for the cessation of arms supplies to Israel, while holding no one accountable for Hamas’ actions, represents a gross imbalance. By omitting the threats posed by Palestinian militias and their indiscriminate rocket attacks on Israeli civilians, the resolution delegitimizes itself as a genuine roadmap for peace.
Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, condemned the resolution as "supporting the diplomatic terrorism" of the Palestinian Authority, a sentiment that rings true given the history of such resolutions failing to bring about meaningful dialogue.
Rather than fostering conditions for negotiations, this resolution deepens the divide by unfairly singling out Israel while ignoring Palestinian factions that perpetuate violence and reject peace talks.
The resolution's non-binding nature only reinforces its futility.
While it carries no legal consequences, it contributes to the continued international isolation of Israel and emboldens extremist factions in the Palestinian territories that oppose peace with Israel.
Such an approach makes the prospect of a two-state solution—already a daunting challenge—an even more distant dream.
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