{"id":224511,"date":"2019-11-15T13:52:00","date_gmt":"2019-11-15T18:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/?post_type=document&p=224511"},"modified":"2021-11-11T13:30:42","modified_gmt":"2021-11-11T18:30:42","slug":"fourth-committee-approves-8-draft-resolutions-concerning-israeli-practices-in-the-occupied-arab-territories-and-unrwa-press-release-ga-spd-713-excerpts","status":"publish","type":"document","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/fourth-committee-approves-8-draft-resolutions-concerning-israeli-practices-in-the-occupied-arab-territories-and-unrwa-press-release-ga-spd-713-excerpts\/","title":{"rendered":"Fourth Committee Approves 8 Draft Resolutions Concerning Israeli Practices in the Occupied Arab Territories and UNRWA – Press Release (GA\/SPD\/713) (Excerpts)"},"content":{"rendered":"
SEVENTY-FOURTH SESSION,<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong>25TH MEETING (AM)<\/strong>
\nGA\/SPD\/713<\/strong>
\n15 NOVEMBER 2019<\/strong>
\n<\/span><\/h6>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Fran\u00e7ais<\/a><\/h4>\n

Actions Relate to Israeli Practices in Occupied Arab Lands, Â鶹APP Agency for Palestine Refugees in Near East<\/h4>\n

Completing its work for the main part of the General Assembly\u2019s seventy-fourth session today, the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) approved eight draft resolutions concerning Israeli practices in the occupied Arab territories and the Â鶹APP Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and a draft decision on its work programme for the next session.<\/p>\n

At the outset, the Committee approved a draft resolution titled \u201cAssistance to Palestine refugees\u201d (document A\/C.4\/74\/L.10<\/a>) by a recorded vote of 170\u00a0in favour to 2\u00a0against (Israel, United States), with 7\u00a0abstentions (Cameroon, Canada, Guatemala, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Vanuatu).<\/p>\n

By its terms, the General Assembly decides to extend UNRWA\u2019s mandate until 30\u00a0June\u00a02023, without prejudice to the provisions of paragraph\u00a011 of General Assembly resolution\u00a0194\u00a0(III)<\/a>.\u00a0 Further by that text, the Assembly expresses concern regarding the negative implications of the Agency\u2019s severe financial crisis for continued delivery of its core programmes.<\/p>\n

Further by that text, the Assembly expresses grave concern about the difficult situation of Palestine refugees under occupation and underlines the importance of assistance and the urgent need for reconstruction.\u00a0 It calls upon all donors to continue strengthening their efforts to meet UNRWA\u2019s anticipated needs, including for recent emergency, recovery and reconstruction appeals, plans for the Gaza Strip and regional crisis-response plans to address the situation of Palestine refugees in Syria.<\/p>\n

The Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine noted that, despite bullying and pressure, the international community defended the Agency and extended its mandate, emphasizing:\u00a0 \u201cThe international community made its statement loud and clear that it will not abandon UNRWA.\u201d<\/p>\n

Taking up a draft resolution titled \u201cOperations of the Â鶹APP Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East\u201d (document A\/C.4\/74\/L.12<\/a>), the Committee also approved that text, by a recorded 167\u00a0votes in favour to 5\u00a0against (Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, United States), with 7\u00a0abstentions (Australia, Cameroon, Guatemala, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Vanuatu).<\/p>\n

By that text, the General Assembly expresses deep concern about UNRWA\u2019s critical financial situation, caused by its structural underfunding and by rising needs and expenditures resulting from the deterioration of socioeconomic and humanitarian conditions.\u00a0 It also notes that contributions have not been predictable enough or sufficient to meet growing needs and remedy persistent shortfalls, which were exacerbated by the 2018\u00a0suspension of contributions from the Agency\u2019s largest single voluntary donor.<\/p>\n

The Assembly commends the Agency, by other terms, for taking measures to address the financial crisis, including by implementing the medium-term strategy for 2016\u20132021 and various internal measures to contain expenditures, reduce operational and administrative costs, maximize the use of resources and reduce funding shortfalls.\u00a0 However, it expresses profound concern that, despite such measures, the Agency\u2019s programme budget faces persistent shortfalls that continue to threaten the delivery of core programmes to Palestine refugees.<\/p>\n

By further terms, the Assembly expresses its appreciation for the efforts of UNRWA\u2019s Commissioner-General and staff, particularly considering the difficult conditions, instability and crises of the past year.\u00a0 Moreover, the Assembly expresses its grave concern over attempts to discredit the Agency despite its proven operational capacity and consistent implementation of its mandate.\u00a0 It also commends the Commissioner-General\u2019s continuing efforts to increase budgetary transparency and efficiency, as reflected in the Agency\u2019s proposed programme budget for\u00a02020.<\/p>\n

The Assembly also urges Israel, by other terms, to expeditiously reimburse UNRWA for all transit charges incurred and other financial losses sustained as a result of delays and restrictions on movement and access imposed by that country.\u00a0 Moreover, it calls upon Israel to cease obstructing the Agency\u2019s movement and access as well as to cease levying taxes, extra fees and charges.<\/p>\n

Also today, the Committee narrowly approved a draft resolution titled \u201cWork of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories\u201d (document A\/C.4\/74\/L.14<\/a>), by a recorded vote of 82\u00a0in favour to 11\u00a0against, with 78\u00a0abstentions.\u00a0 By its terms, the General Assembly demands that Israel cooperate with the Special Committee and requests that the latter continue to investigate Israeli policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, especially its violations of the Geneva Convention.\u00a0 Moreover, it requests that the Special Committee continue to investigate the treatment and status of thousands of prisoners and detainees, including children, women and elected representatives, in Israeli prisons and detention centres in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.<\/p>\n

Further by the text, the Assembly requests that the Secretary-General provide the Special Committee with all necessary facilities, including those required for its visits to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.\u00a0 Moreover, it requests that he General continue to task the Office of the Â鶹APP High Commissioner for Human Rights with assisting the Special Committee in the performance of its tasks.<\/p>\n

The Committee went on to approve \u2014 by a recorded 162\u00a0votes in favour to 6\u00a0against (Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, United States), with 9\u00a0abstentions (Australia, Cameroon, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Togo, Vanuatu) \u2014 the draft resolution titled \u201cPersons displaced as a result of the June\u00a01967 and subsequent hostilities\u201d (document A\/C.4\/74\/L.11<\/a>).<\/p>\n

By the terms of that text, the General Assembly reaffirms the right of all persons displaced as a result of the June\u00a01967 and subsequent hostilities to return to their homes or former places of residence.\u00a0 It further stresses the need for the accelerated return of those displaced, strongly appealing to all Governments, organizations and individuals to contribute generously to the Agency and others in that regard.<\/p>\n

The Committee then approved a draft resolution titled \u201cPalestine refugees\u2019 properties and their revenues\u201d (document A\/C.4\/74\/L.13<\/a>), by a recorded vote of 162\u00a0in favour to 6\u00a0against (Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, United States), with 9\u00a0abstentions (Australia, Brazil, Cameroon, Guatemala, Honduras, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Togo, Vanuatu).<\/p>\n

By that text, the General Assembly requests that the Secretary-General take all appropriate steps to protect Arab properties, assets and property rights in Israel.\u00a0 Further, it calls upon Israel to render all facilities and assistance to the Secretary-General in implementation of the resolution.\u00a0 Moreover, the Assembly urges both the Palestinian and Israeli sides to deal with the important issue of Palestine refugees\u2019 properties and their revenues within the framework of final-status peace negotiations.<\/p>\n

The Committee went on to approve \u2014 by a recorded vote of 156\u00a0in favour to 6\u00a0against (Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, United States), with 15\u00a0abstentions \u2014 a draft titled \u201cIsraeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan\u201d (document A\/C.4\/74\/L.15<\/a>).\u00a0 By its terms, the General Assembly condemns Israel\u2019s settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.<\/p>\n

It also deplores, by other terms, Israel\u2019s construction and expansion of settlements in and around occupied East Jerusalem, including its so-called E-1 plan which aims to connect its illegal settlements and further isolate occupied East Jerusalem. \u00a0The Assembly further deplores plans to demolish the Palestinian village of Khan al-Ahmar, in contravention of international law, which would have serious consequences in terms of the displacement of its residents and severely threaten the viability of a two-State solution, given that area\u2019s sensitive location.<\/p>\n

Further by that text, the Assembly condemns Israel\u2019s demolition of Palestinian buildings in the neighbourhood of Wadi al-Hummus, in the village of Sur Bahir, south of occupied East Jerusalem.\u00a0 Moreover, it reiterates its demand for the immediate and complete cessation of all Israeli settlement activities in all the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan, calling in that regard for the full implementation of all relevant resolutions of the Security Council.<\/p>\n

By further terms, the Assembly stresses Israel\u2019s responsibility to investigate all acts of settler violence against Palestinian civilians and their properties and to ensure accountability for those actions.\u00a0 It also calls for accountability in relation to illegal actions perpetrated by Israeli settlers in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, stressing in that regard the need for the implementation of Security Council resolution\u00a0904<\/a>\u00a0(1994).<\/p>\n

Taking up a draft titled \u201cIsraeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem\u201d (document A\/C.4\/74\/L.16<\/a>), the Committee approved it by a recorded vote of 154\u00a0in favour to 8\u00a0against (Australia, Canada, Guatemala, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, United States), with 14\u00a0abstentions.<\/p>\n

By the terms of that draft, the Assembly urges the parties to observe calm and restraint and to refrain from provocative actions, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric, especially in areas of religious and cultural sensitivity, including in East Jerusalem.\u00a0 It also condemns all acts of violence, including all acts of terror, provocation, incitement and destruction, and especially any use of force by the Israeli occupying forces against Palestinian civilians, in violation of international law.\u00a0 In particular, it condemns violence in the Gaza Strip, including against journalists, medical personnel and humanitarian personnel.<\/p>\n

Also by that text, the Assembly demands that Israel cease all measures contravening international law, as well as discriminatory legislation, policies and actions in the Occupied Palestinian Territory that violate the human rights of the Palestinian people.\u00a0 They include the killing and injury of civilians, the arbitrary detention and imprisonment of civilians, forced displacement and any obstruction of humanitarian assistance.\u00a0 The Assembly also urges Member States to continue to provide emergency assistance to the Palestinian people in order to alleviate the financial crisis and the dire socioeconomic and humanitarian situation, particularly in the Gaza Strip.<\/p>\n

In other action, the Committee approved \u2014 by a recorded vote of 155\u00a0in favour to 2\u00a0against (Israel, United States), with 19\u00a0abstentions \u2014 a draft titled \u201cThe occupied Syrian Golan\u201d (document A\/C.4\/74\/L.17<\/a>), by which the General Assembly calls upon Israel to comply with the relevant resolutions.<\/p>\n

It also calls upon Israel to desist from changing the physical character, demographic composition, institutional structure and legal status of the occupied Syrian Golan and in particular to desist from establishing settlements.\u00a0 Further, the Assembly calls upon Israel to desist from imposing Israeli citizenship and Israeli identity cards on the Syrian citizens in the occupied Syrian Golan.<\/p>\n

Acting without a vote, the Committee also approved a draft decision on its programme of work for the seventy-fifth session.<\/p>\n

In concluding remarks, Committee Chair Mohammed Hussein Bahr Aluloom (Iraq) noted that the Committee approved 35\u00a0draft resolutions and 3\u00a0draft decisions during the session.\u00a0 It held 25\u00a0formal meetings, instead of the usual 28\u00a0because of financial constraints, he added.<\/p>\n

Delivering statements in explanation of position were representatives of Israel, United States, Finland (for the European Union), Brazil, Syria and Iran.<\/p>\n

Representatives of Indonesia, Cuba and Namibia presented the draft resolutions for action.<\/p>\n

The Fourth Committee will reconvene at a date and time to be announced.<\/p>\n

Action on Draft Resolutions<\/u><\/p>\n

The Committee first took up a series of draft resolutions (documents A\/C.4\/74\/L.10-L.13) relating to:\u00a0 \u201cAssistance to Palestine refugees\u201d (L.10); \u201cPersons displaced as a result of the June\u00a01967 and subsequent hostilities\u201d (L.11); \u201cOperations of the Â鶹APP Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East\u201d(UNRWA, L.12); and \u201cPalestine refugees\u2019 properties and their revenues\u201d (L.13).<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Indonesia<\/u>\u00a0introduced those drafts, explaining that they reflect necessary updates covering challenges arising from difficult and unstable conditions on the ground and the continuing severe financing shortfalls affecting the Agency.\u00a0 Urging strong support for a three-year renewal of UNRWA\u2019s mandate, and for the mobilization of all possible efforts to secure more sufficient, predictable and sustained funding for the duration of the mandate.\u00a0 Detailing the list of drafts and summarizing their contents, he said they reaffirm the international community\u2019s principled support for UNRWA and for Palestine refugees.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Cuba<\/u>\u00a0then introduced drafts relating to the report of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories, saying they address Israel\u2019s perpetuation of serious and systematic violations of international law.\u00a0 Noting that such violations have intensified during the reporting period, thereby deepening the crisis, she said the violations have diminished the hopes and belief of the Palestinian people, emphasizing the imperative and urgent need for international action.\u00a0 The draft resolutions are consistent with international law and call upon Israel to respect its legal obligations, she said, adding that they also call for international action to ensure that respect.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Namibia<\/u>\u00a0then introduced two drafts \u2014 \u201cWork of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories\u201d (document A\/C.4\/74\/L.14) and \u201cIsraeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan\u201d (document A\/C.4\/74\/L. L.15).\u00a0 He said they reiterate long-standing calls for Israel\u2019s compliance with the Charter of the Â鶹APP, the Fourth Geneva Convention, the human rights covenants and all relevant Â鶹APP resolutions.\u00a0 They also demand an end to human rights violations, urge immediate efforts to reverse the negative trends on the ground and to stop the deterioration of the situation, he added, outlining the salient points of each draft.\u00a0 Concerning the latter text, he pointed out that the 2019\u00a0version has been strengthened by merging key elements from the one approved in previous sessions, on \u201cApplicability of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12\u00a0August\u00a01949, to the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and other occupied Arab territories\u201d.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Cuba<\/u>\u00a0then introduced and summarized the contents of two draft resolutions \u2014 \u201cIsraeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem\u201d (document A\/C.4\/74\/L.16) and \u201cThe occupied Syrian Golan\u201d (document A\/C.4\/74\/L.17).<\/p>\n

The Committee then moved to take action on the four UNRWA-related drafts.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Israel<\/u>, making a general statement, said the drafts have a vision that ignores the fact that the situation requires two perspectives.\u00a0 Emphasizing that Israel\u2019s aspirations and concerns should also be heard, he asked whether it is acceptable to add the term \u201cTemple Mount\u201d to the text.\u00a0 He also questioned the renewal of UNRWA\u2019s mandate despite the current scandal.\u00a0 The drafts reinforce the sense within Israel that the General Assembly cannot serve a constructive role in resolving the conflict, he said, explaining that for those reasons, his delegation will vote against the draft resolutions under consideration.<\/p>\n

The representative of the\u00a0United States<\/u>, speaking in explanation of position, said her delegation opposes the introduction of anti-Israel texts.\u00a0 Such a one-sided approach undermines trust between the parties, she observed, noting that Member States disproportionately single out Israel through the drafts.\u00a0 That dynamic is unacceptable, she said, pointing that the texts say nothing about terrorist acts against civilians nor mention Hamas.\u00a0 The United States, therefore, will vote against the draft resolutions.\u00a0 Noting that the draft \u201cAssistance to Palestine Refugees\u201d calls for renewing UNRWA\u2019s mandate, she described the Agency\u2019s fundamental model as unsustainable, saying Palestinians deserve better.\u00a0 Member States must press the Â鶹APP on malfeasance and prevent waste, fraud and abuse going forward, she emphasized, going on to state that the draft resolutions distract from the peace process, which will only be served when bias against Israel within the Â鶹APP ends.<\/p>\n

The Committee then approved the draft resolution \u201cAssistance to Palestine refugees\u201d (document A\/C.4\/74\/L.10) by a recorded vote of 170\u00a0in favour to 2\u00a0against (Israel, United States), with 7\u00a0abstentions (Cameroon, Canada, Guatemala, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Vanuatu).<\/p>\n

It went on to approve \u2014 by a recorded 162\u00a0votes in favour to 6\u00a0against (Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, United States), with 9\u00a0abstentions (Australia, Cameroon, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Togo, Vanuatu) \u2014 the draft resolution \u201cPersons displaced as a result of the June\u00a01967 and subsequent hostilities\u201d (document A\/C.4\/74\/L.11).<\/p>\n

By a recorded vote of 167\u00a0in favour to 5\u00a0against (Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, United States), with 7\u00a0abstentions (Australia, Cameroon, Guatemala, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Vanuatu), the Committee approved the draft resolution \u201cOperations of the Â鶹APP Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East\u201d (document A\/C.4\/74\/L.12).<\/p>\n

The Committee then approved the draft resolution \u201cPalestine refugees\u2019 properties and their revenues\u201d (document A\/C.4\/74\/L.13), by a recorded vote of 162\u00a0in favour to 6\u00a0against (Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, United States), with 9\u00a0abstentions (Australia, Brazil, Cameroon, Guatemala, Honduras, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Togo, Vanuatu).<\/p>\n

The Committee then took up a series of draft resolutions related to the report of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories (documents A\/C.4\/73\/L.14-L.17).<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Finland<\/u>, speaking in explanation of position on behalf of the European Union, said the bloc has not expressed a legal qualification with regard to the term \u201cforced displacement\u201d appearing in a number of texts under that item.\u00a0 Moreover, their use of the term \u201cPalestine\u201d cannot be construed as recognition of a State of Palestine.\u00a0 One of the drafts also refers to the holy sites in Jerusalem, he recalled, expressing concern about worrying developments and recurrent violent clashes at the Temple Mount\/Al-Haram Al-Sharif.\u00a0 Emphasizing the special significance of the holy sites, he called for upholding the status quo that was in place in\u00a01967, in accordance with previous understandings and with Jordan\u2019s special role.\u00a0 He observed, however, that the revision made less than 24\u00a0hours before the vote, is unfortunate and creates unnecessary ambiguity.\u00a0 As such, he said, the European Union understands the use of the word \u201cobligation\u201d as referring to the importance of respecting the historic status quo and stresses the need for language that reflects respect for religious and cultural sensitivities.\u00a0 Future choice of language may affect the European Union\u2019s collective support for this draft resolution according to the established voting pattern, he cautioned.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Brazil<\/u>\u00a0said his delegation supports a two-State solution and recognizes that the expansion of settlements represents an obstacle to the peace process.\u00a0 However, Brazil cannot support the draft \u201cIsraeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan\u201d and will therefore abstain, he said.\u00a0 Nevertheless, Brazil is in favour of streamlining the proposals on the Syrian Golan within the General Assembly and encourages the integration of the relevant texts, he added.\u00a0 Reaffirming Brazil\u2019s position that seizing territory by force is illegal, he underscored the understanding that the Fourth Geneva Convention is applicable to the occupied territories, while emphasizing nevertheless that the text before the Committee is unbalanced, calls attention only to Israel and fails to address all the relevant factors.<\/p>\n

Taking up the draft \u201cWork of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories\u201d (document A\/C.4\/74\/L.14), the Committee approved it by a recorded vote of 82\u00a0in favour to 11\u00a0against, with 78\u00a0abstentions.<\/p>\n

It went on to approve \u2014 by a recorded vote of 156\u00a0in favour to 6\u00a0against (Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, United States), with 15\u00a0abstentions \u2014 the draft \u201cIsraeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan\u201d (document A\/C.4\/74\/L.15).<\/p>\n

The Committee then took up the draft \u201cIsraeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem\u201d (document A\/C.4\/74\/L.16), approving it by a recorded 154\u00a0votes in favour to 8\u00a0against (Australia, Canada, Guatemala, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, United States), with 14\u00a0abstentions.<\/p>\n

It then approved \u2014 by a recorded vote of 155\u00a0in favour to 2\u00a0against (Israel, United States), with 19\u00a0abstentions \u2014 the draft \u201cThe occupied Syrian Golan\u201d (document A\/C.4\/74\/L.17).<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Syria<\/u>, speaking in explanation of position, recalled that more than 50\u00a0General Assembly sessions have witnessed a majority vote by Member States on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, condemning Israel\u2019s policies and calling upon that country to cease actions that violate international law.\u00a0 Israel denies that there is an occupation on the ground at all, he added, while pointing out that each year, Member States convey a legal and political message to Israel that it must end its occupation and settlement activities.\u00a0 Describing the United States as Israel\u2019s major military and political partner, he said it has protected that country from accountability over decades.\u00a0 The passive vote by the United States conveys the message that the role it pretended to play as a sponsor of the Middle East peace process has ended, he emphasized.\u00a0 As a member of the Security Council, the United States could have formed a legitimate coalition to move the peace process forward instead of sponsoring terrorism, aggression and the looting of Syrian oil, he said, stressing that the occupied Syrian Golan will return to Syria through peace or war.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Iran<\/u>\u00a0said that by approving the draft resolutions, the Committee expressed strong support for the Palestinian people.\u00a0 Recalling that the question of Palestine has been at the core of the problems in the Middle East over the past seven decades, he said atrocities by the Israeli regime have shocked the world, suggesting that Israel now tries to hide its actions behind other countries while diverting attention from its land-grabbing agenda.\u00a0 Despite the approval of numerous resolutions, Israel\u2019s non-compliance has prevented the international community from reaching a just solution to the conflict, he said.<\/p>\n

The Permanent Observer for the\u00a0State of Palestine<\/u>\u00a0said that as a result of aggression against his people on their Independence Day, eight members of a single family were killed by Israel in a barbaric act on 14\u00a0November.\u00a0 Expressing gratitude to all those who have condemned that action, he called for those responsible to be brought to justice and demanded a halt to the aggression.\u00a0 He went on to note that a historic number of countries co-sponsored the UNRWA-related drafts before the Committee during the present session.\u00a0 As such, the text calling for the renewal of UNRWA\u2019s mandate received 170\u00a0votes \u2011 nine more than the last time the mandate was renewed \u2011 he said, pointing out that only two countries voted against renewal.\u00a0 Despite bullying and pressure, the international community defended UNRWA and extended its mandate, he added, declaring:\u00a0 \u201cThe international community made its statement loud and clear that it will not abandon UNRWA.\u201d\u00a0 Expressing gratitude for the service of the Agency\u2019s 30,000\u00a0employees, he reiterated his delegations thanks to the former Commissioner-General, describing him as principled and a target of certain parties.<\/p>\n

In its final action, the Committee approved, without a vote, the draft decision \u201cProposed programme of work and timetable of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) for the seventy-fifth session of the General Assembly\u201d (document A\/C.4\/74\/L.9).<\/p>\n

Concluding Remarks<\/u><\/p>\n

MOHAMMED HUSSEIN BAHR ALULOOM (Iraq), Chair of the Fourth Committee, noted that it approved 35\u00a0draft resolutions and three draft decisions on a wide range of agenda items during the session, having held 25\u00a0formal meetings instead of the usual 28\u00a0due to financial constraints.\u00a0 Welcoming the presence of senior officials during the session, including the President of the General Assembly and various heads of department, he noted that Member States were represented by permanent representatives and high-level officials from their respective capitals.\u00a0 He went on to recall that during the decolonization debate, 130\u00a0individuals and organizations addressed the Committee as petitioners from several Non-Self-Governing Territories. \u00a0Additionally, 41\u00a0statements delivered during the Committee\u2019s consideration of information-related questions demonstrated the interest of Member States in the work of the Department of Global Communications, he noted.\u00a0 He went on to announce that the Committee will meet in\u00a02020 to take up the report of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations and to elect its Bureau for the General Assembly\u2019s seventy-fifth session.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

For information media. Not an official record.<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

SEVENTY-FOURTH SESSION,\u00a025TH MEETING (AM) GA\/SPD\/713 15 NOVEMBER 2019 Fran\u00e7ais Actions Relate to Israeli Practices in Occupied Arab Lands, Â鶹APP Agency for Palestine Refugees in Near East Completing its work for the main part of the General Assembly\u2019s seventy-fourth session today, the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) approved eight draft resolutions concerning Israeli practices […]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":172,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"template":"template-page.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"country":[897,2241],"document-category":[2433,1329],"document-source":[5618],"committee-meeting":[],"document-subject":[1945,1861,2005,2237,1741,1801,1961,1805,1749,1797,2285,2309,2153],"entity":[1729],"document-language":[6542,6541],"class_list":["post-224511","document","type-document","status-publish","hentry","country-israel","country-syria","document-category-french-text","document-category-press-release","document-source-general-assembly-fourth-committee-special-political-and-decolonization","document-subject-assistance","document-subject-fourth-geneva-convention","document-subject-gaza-strip","document-subject-golan-heights","document-subject-human-rights-and-international-humanitarian-law","document-subject-inalienable-rights-of-the-palestinian-people","document-subject-jerusalem","document-subject-occupation","document-subject-palestine-question","document-subject-peace-process","document-subject-prisoners-and-detainees","document-subject-protection","document-subject-refugee-camps","entity-united-nations-system","document-language-english","document-language-french"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/224511","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/document"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/172"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/224511\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=224511"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=224511"},{"taxonomy":"document-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-category?post=224511"},{"taxonomy":"document-source","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-source?post=224511"},{"taxonomy":"committee-meeting","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/committee-meeting?post=224511"},{"taxonomy":"document-subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-subject?post=224511"},{"taxonomy":"entity","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/entity?post=224511"},{"taxonomy":"document-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-language?post=224511"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}