The United Nations General Assembly will vote today on a draft resolution presented by the State of Palestine, urging Israel to cease its “illegal presence in the occupied Palestinian territory” within 12 months.

Ambassador Riyad Mansour, Palestine’s Permanent Representative to the UN, emphasized that the draft resolution is consistent with the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in July, following a request from the General Assembly. The ICJ asserts that Israel’s presence in the occupied Palestinian territories is unlawful and recommends Israel’s withdrawal “as soon as possible,” though the bill sets a 12-month deadline for implementation.

This is the first resolution submitted by the Palestinian State since gaining membership rights and the ability to propose resolutions to the General Assembly earlier this month.

Ambassador Mansour noted that 40 countries supported the preliminary resolution grounded in international law. He highlighted the importance of upholding legal governance principles and ensuring the Palestinian population’s right to justice.

Mansour further clarified that the resolution reflects the ICJ’s rulings and focuses on the responsibilities of Israel, all states, the United Nations, and other international organizations to comply with international law. The resolution also outlines individual and collective actions required to uphold the law and enforce relevant UN resolutions concerning the Palestinian issue.

He urged the international community to reject double standards, adding, “Today, the world must reject double standards and stand on the right side of history with international law, freedom, and peace, as the alternative is what the entire world is watching on television screens of crimes and genocide to which Palestinian people are being subjected.”

The extraordinary UN session to vote on the Palestinian draft resolution was convened just before world leaders arrived in New York for the opening of the General Assembly’s annual session.

Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas is expected to address the 193-member General Assembly on September 26, while Zionist Netanyahu is also scheduled to speak that day.

U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, has urged member states to vote “no” on the resolution, as the U.S. remains an ally of the Israeli regime.

Although the ICJ’s advisory opinion is not legally binding, it holds significant influence under international law and could weaken support for the occupation regime. Similarly, while the General Assembly’s decisions are non-binding, they carry considerable political weight, as the Assembly does not operate with a veto system. (ILKHA)