UNGA passes resolution calling for Israeli withdrawal from occupied Palestinian territories

In a historic development, the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday overwhelmingly adopted a resolution calling for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the occupied Palestinian territories.

The resolution, titled “Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine,” was passed with 151 votes in favour, 11 against, and 11 abstentions.

It urges the immediate resumption of credible negotiations on all key issues related to the Middle East peace process and calls for an international peace conference to be convened in Moscow.

The General Assembly demanded that Israel fully comply with international law, end its illegal occupation, halt settlement construction, and remove all Israeli settlers from the occupied Palestinian territories.

It categorically rejected any demographic or geographic changes in Gaza and affirmed that Gaza and the West Bank must be unified under the Palestinian Authority.

The resolution further states that Israel must withdraw from all Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 to enable the Palestinian people to exercise their fundamental right to self-determination.

During the debate, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Usama Iftikhar Ahmad, asserted that the world must now translate its commitments into action. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s full support for the Palestinian people’s struggle for freedom, sovereignty, peace, and justice.

Ambassador Ahmad stressed the urgency of a complete ceasefire in Gaza, withdrawal of Israeli forces, uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid, and immediate reconstruction of the besieged territory.