NEW YORK, Dec 18 — The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) yesterday adopted a resolution affirming Palestinians’ right to self-determination by an overwhelming majority, Palestine News and Information Agency (WAFA) reported.
A total of 172 countries voted in favour of the resolution, while only seven countries — Israel, the United States, Micronesia, Argentina, Paraguay and Papua New Guinea — opposed it.
Eight countries — Ecuador, Liberia, Togo, Tonga, Panama, Palau, Tuvalu and Kiribati — abstained.
The adoption of this resolution reflects a global rejection of Israel’s occupation and colonial activities, which hinder Palestinians from achieving their right to self-determination and living with dignity in an independent state, said WAFA.
The resolution highlights the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion, which declares Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories illegal and calls for its immediate end due to its devastating impact on the Palestinian people’s ability to exercise their right to self-determination, as guaranteed by the UN Charter and international law.
Palestine’s Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ministry welcomed the UNGA’s adoption of the resolution, emphasising that it represents a fundamental and inalienable right, as well as a cornerstone of the UN Charter.
The ministry expressed its gratitude to the sisterly and friendly countries, as well as those that sponsored and voted in favour of the resolution, at a time when Palestinians are enduring genocide and ongoing violations of all their rights, including the right to self-determination.
It also highlighted the importance of implementing the UNGA’s resolution, which endorsed the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the illegality of the Israeli occupation.
WAFA reported that the ministry urged the countries that did not support the resolution and voted negatively to reconsider their positions and join the moral majority in line with international law.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working with members of the international community to implement these resolutions and turn them into effective mechanisms for action.
— Bernama
