{"id":243132,"date":"2020-12-02T12:54:55","date_gmt":"2020-12-02T17:54:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/?post_type=document&p=243132"},"modified":"2021-01-12T11:39:09","modified_gmt":"2021-01-12T16:39:09","slug":"general-assembly-adopts-five-resolutions-on-middle-east-citing-illegality-of-annexing-occupied-palestinian-territory-press-release-ga-12292-excerpts","status":"publish","type":"document","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/general-assembly-adopts-five-resolutions-on-middle-east-citing-illegality-of-annexing-occupied-palestinian-territory-press-release-ga-12292-excerpts\/","title":{"rendered":"General Assembly Adopts Five Resolutions on Middle East, Citing Illegality of Annexing Occupied Palestinian Territory – Press Release (GA\/12292) (Excerpts)"},"content":{"rendered":"
SEVENTY-FIFTH SESSION,<\/span>\u00a034TH & 35TH MEETINGS (AM & PM)
\nGA\/12292
\n2 DECEMBER 2020<\/span><\/strong><\/h6>\n
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Fran\u00e7ais\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

The General Assembly today adopted seven resolutions, including five on the question of Palestine and the Middle East, one of which cited the illegality of annexing any part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and two on the importance of fostering a culture of peace.<\/p>\n

Through the terms of the resolution \u201cPeaceful settlement of the question of Palestine\u201d (document\u00a0A\/75\/L.34<\/a>) \u2014 adopted by a recorded vote of 145\u00a0in favour to\u00a07\u00a0against\u00a0(Australia, Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, United States), with 9\u00a0abstentions (Brazil, Cameroon, Guatemala, Honduras, Madagascar, Malawi, Palau, Rwanda, South Africa) \u2014 the Assembly called for the full respect for international law.\u00a0 It also called for the promotion of human security, the de-escalation of the situation, the exercise of restraint and the establishment of a stable environment conducive to the pursuit of peace.<\/p>\n

By further terms, the Assembly called on all Member States not to recognize any changes to the pre\u20111967 borders, including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those agreed by the parties through negotiations.\u00a0 As such, agreements with Israel must not imply recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the territories occupied by Israel in\u00a01967.<\/p>\n

The Assembly adopted the resolution \u201cThe Syrian Golan\u201d (document\u00a0A\/75\/L.29<\/a>), by a recorded vote of a recorded vote of 88\u00a0in favor to 9\u00a0against (United States, United Kingdom, Palau, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Canada, Australia, Brazil), with62\u00a0abstentions.\u00a0 By its terms, it declared that the Israeli decision to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration on the occupied Syrian Golan is null and void and demanded that Israel withdraw from the territory.<\/p>\n

Also by recorded vote, the Assembly today adopted three resolutions regarding the Organization\u2019s support to the Palestinian people.\u00a0 By the terms of a resolution on the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (document\u00a0A\/75\/L.32<\/a>), the Assembly requested the Committee to continue focusing its activities throughout 2021 and 2022 on efforts and initiatives to end the Israeli occupation and organize activities in this regard.<\/p>\n

By the terms of the resolution \u201cDivision for Palestinian Rights of the Secretariat\u201d (document\u00a0A\/75\/L.33<\/a>), the Assembly requested the Division to continue to monitor developments relevant to the question of Palestine. \u00a0The Assembly also adopted a third such resolution, titled \u201cSpecial information programme on the question of Palestine of the Department of Global Communications of the Secretariat\u201d (document\u00a0A\/75\/L.35<\/a>).\u00a0 By its terms, the Assembly requested the Department to expand its collection of audiovisual material on the question of Palestine as well as to periodically update the public exhibit displayed in the General Assembly Building.<\/p>\n

As the floor opened for debate, the Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine said that without action, accountability and consequences, Israel will continue to trample international law. \u00a0Appeasing occupation will not work, nor will the attempt to break the will of the Palestinians.\u00a0 Those who believe Israel has suspended annexation plans are ignoring reality, he said, pointing to rapidly expanding settlements, plans to construct more installations and evictions of Palestinian families that continue even during the pandemic. \u00a0The vast scope and scale of these actions are corroborated by Â鶹APP entities and international organizations, he noted.<\/p>\n

Israel\u2019s representative said that, since\u00a02000, General Assembly resolutions centre only on accusations against his delegation. \u00a0While Israel recently signed peace accords with Bahrain, Sudan and the United Arab Emirates, this current session\u2019s draft resolutions make no reference to them, and worse, claim that peace between Israel and other States in the Arab world is contingent upon first making peace with the Palestinian people. \u00a0The Abraham Accords signed by Israel and three parties have \u201cshattered that paradigm\u201d, he pointed out.<\/p>\n

Agreeing, the representative of the United Arab Emirates stressed the need for initiatives that create a conducive environment for a two-State solution.\u00a0 She said the United Arab Emirates has, by signing a peace treaty with Israel, achieved a freeze on the annexation of Palestinian land.\u00a0 Moreover, her delegation will not deviate from its support for a Palestinian State based on 1967\u00a0lines with East Jerusalem as its capital.<\/p>\n

The United States delegate said Washington,\u00a0D.C., is continuing to take steps to rebuild trust in the region, including through its forward-looking peace initiative. \u00a0However, the draft resolutions under consideration recycle tired rhetoric that do nothing to advance peace.<\/p>\n

During the debate, many speakers voiced their support for the work of the Â鶹APP Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East\u00a0(UNRWA), with many calling on Member States to increase support as it faces financial constraints that have curtailed services, including vaccinations.<\/p>\n

Turkey\u2019s representative said the Agency is indispensable for providing vital health, relief and emergency assistance to millions.\u00a0 In this context, Cuba\u2019s representative denounced the United States withdrawal of financial support for UNRWA.\u00a0 He also expressed opposition to the \u201cdeal of the century\u201d drawn up by Washington,\u00a0D.C., and its decision to recognize the occupied Syrian Golan as Israeli territory.<\/p>\n

\/…<\/p>\n

Question of Palestine<\/u><\/p>\n

VOLKAN BOZKIR (Turkey), President of the General Assembly, said that the question of Palestine first came before the Assembly in\u00a01947, with the world body repeatedly affirming since then the Palestinian people\u2019s right to live like everyone else.\u00a0 \u201cYet, nothing has changed; there is an ongoing attempt to deny the historical and legal rights of the Palestinian people,\u201d he said, pointing to the ongoing illegal occupation, unlawful settlement activities and annexation, excessive use of force against civilians, attempts to change the status of Jerusalem and Gaza still under blockade.\u00a0 Palestinians cannot enjoy the most basic freedoms and they are under constant pressure to accept the status quo, he said, adding that:\u00a0 \u201cIt is time to stand for justice; it is time to respect the historical and legal rights of Palestine\u2019s people.\u201d<\/p>\n

Calling for negotiations to resume, he said the Â鶹APP must continue to focus on resolving the Israeli\u2011Palestinian conflict, collectively uphold international law, and realize the vision of two States living side by side, in peace and security, within recognized borders on the basis of pre\u20111967 lines.\u00a0 This will require unity, courage and resilience, he said, also expressing deep concern by the financial shortfall faced by the Â鶹APP Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East\u00a0(UNRWA) and urging donors to provide it with sufficient and predictable funding for its core activities and emergency appeals.<\/p>\n

NEVILLE MELVIN GERTZE\u00a0(Namibia), Vice Chair of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, introduced the following draft resolutions:\u00a0 \u201cCommittee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People\u201d (document\u00a0A\/75\/L.32<\/a>), \u201cDivision for Palestinian Rights of the Secretariat\u201d (document\u00a0A\/75\/L.33<\/a>), \u201cPeaceful settlement of the question of Palestine\u201d (document\u00a0A\/75\/L.34<\/a>) and \u201cSpecial information programme on the question of Palestine of the Department of Global Communications of the Secretariat\u201d (document\u00a0A\/75\/L.35<\/a>).\u00a0 Noting that the drafts are technical rollovers of those previously adopted by the Assembly, with no substantive changes, he said it is regrettable that the question of Palestine remains the longest unsolved issue on its agenda, as the Â鶹APP marks its seventy\u2011fifth anniversary.\u00a0 The occupation is expanding, posing a challenge to regional and international stability and peace, while the COVID\u201119 pandemic is worsening an already dire situation, with women, children and residents of Gaza hardest hit.\u00a0 \u201cWe are at a watershed moment demanding urgent and consistent international mobilization and action to save the two\u2011State solution,\u201d he said, emphasizing that, going forward, the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People will continue to engage and involve Palestinians and Israelis in these critical times.<\/p>\n

ADELA RAZ\u00a0(Afghanistan), Rapporteur for the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, introduced its report, covering activities from September\u00a02018 to August\u00a02019 and addressing such issues as capacity\u2011building and the mobilization of the diplomatic community.\u00a0 It is time now to address the long overdue question of Palestinian rights, she said, urging the Assembly and Security Council to consider all relevant resolutions and the practical means to implement them, including sanctions on States and private entities violating them.\u00a0 International and regional entities, including the European Union, League of Arab States and Organization of Islamic Cooperation, must also take on a more active role in mitigating the conflict.<\/p>\n

Unilateral decisions to recognize Jerusalem as Israel\u2019s capital and move national embassies there are null and void, she said, adding that the historic status quo of religious sites in the city must be respected.\u00a0 Calling on Israel to recognize its responsibility to protect civilians, she underlined the need for an international protection mechanism for Palestinians, adding that settlements violate international law.\u00a0 States and private entities must not contribute to these violations.\u00a0 Citing the need for a shift from a humanitarian to human rights approach, she called for ending the 13\u2011year\u2011long Gaza blockade.\u00a0 The Committee must also turn its attention to the dire situation of Palestinians in midst of the pandemic, she said, adding that partners involved in the Middle East process and UNRWA should coordinate efforts, with Member States working collectively and individually to fund that entity.<\/p>\n

RIYAD H. MANSOUR, Permanent Observer for the\u00a0State of Palestine<\/u>, said the Palestinian people have been left without a remedy for injustice, enduring decades of exile and oppression since\u00a01948.\u00a0 Expressing gratitude for the international community\u2019s support for their self\u2011determination, he appealed for urgent action to back that up, as \u201cstatements are not enough\u201d.\u00a0 Â鶹APP resolutions and the Fourth Geneva Convention must be implemented.\u00a0 Without action, accountability and consequences, Israel will continue to trample international law.\u00a0 History shows this is how all forms of colonialism and apartheid were defeated.\u00a0 Appeasing occupation will not work, nor will the attempt to break the will of the Palestinians, who will never accept anything less than legitimate rights and freedom.<\/p>\n

Despite the two\u2011State solution being drafted by the international community and accepted by the Palestinian people 32\u00a0years ago, he said only one State, Israel, has never accepted it, undermining it at every turn.\u00a0 Those who believe Israel has suspended annexation plans are ignoring reality, he said, pointing to rapidly expanding settlements, plans to construct more installations and evictions of Palestinian families that continue even during the pandemic.\u00a0 The vast scope and scale of these actions are corroborated by Â鶹APP entities and international organizations, with some 5,000\u00a0Palestinians held captive in Israeli jails, including more than 100\u00a0children.\u00a0 The Gaza blockade remains the worst element, tantamount to a crime against humanity targeting 2\u00a0million people.\u00a0 The occupation is illegal, immoral and an affront to rules\u2011based order, requiring political will to take concrete action to halt it, he said, expressing support for President Mahmoud Abbas\u2019 call for an international peace conference in\u00a02021.\u00a0 He called for recognition by States which have not done so of the State of Palestine, based on pre\u20111967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.\u00a0 Israeli Government entities, corporations and individuals aiding and abetting the occupation must be held to account, and the international community must ban settlement\u2011produced items, as this is where accountability begins, he said, also rejecting claims that the Committee is biased against Israel.<\/p>\n

ALTAHER ALMUNTASER (Libya<\/u>), noting the Â鶹APP inability to resolve the issue of the inhumane actions taking place against the Palestinian people, said their right to self-determination must be observed.\u00a0 While resolution 2334\u00a0(2016) calls for an end to the Israeli occupation and an end to violence, Israel has scorned this and other resolutions, expanding settlements and making impossible the objective of creating a Palestinian State.\u00a0 Citing a range of Israeli violations, from seized property to the Gaza blockade, he said international efforts must be exerted to help, including assisting Palestinian authorities to curb the spread of COVID\u201119 amid obstacles Israel has erected.\u00a0 The Â鶹APP must implement resolutions and put pressure on Israel to establish security, he said, expressing support for an independent Palestinian State, with refugees able to return to their homes.<\/p>\n

SUDQI ATALLAH ABD ALKADETR AL OMOUSH (Jordan<\/u>) said the pandemic has shown the need for combined joint action. Highlighting the Committee\u2019s work in keeping the world aware of the Palestinian people\u2019s plight, he said the Israeli occupation must end to enable the creation of a Palestinian State.\u00a0 Israeli violations of existing resolutions must also stop.\u00a0 A two\u2011state solution is the only means to end the conflict and achieve the Palestinian people\u2019s goal to live in peace.\u00a0 For its part, Jordan coordinates with its Palestinian counterparts to bolster solidarity.\u00a0 However, UNRWA faces an extreme crisis made worse by COVID\u201119 and needs assistance.\u00a0 Recalling that General Assembly resolution A\/RES\/194, adopted in\u00a01948, guarantees the rights of refugees to return home, he said people have the right to live in peace and stability.\u00a0 If not, despair will prevail and the conflict will continue to threaten world peace.<\/p>\n

SYED HASRIN TENGKO\u00a0HUSSIN (Malaysia<\/u>) said the question of Palestine remains unresolved and the issue continues to be the source of instability in the region and poses a dangerous threat to international peace and security.\u00a0 It must be resolved based on the established and internationally agreed parameters, in line with relevant resolutions, international law and the Â鶹APP Charter.\u00a0 He called on Member States to urgently contribute to UNWRA so it can meet the needs of 5.7\u00a0million Palestinian refugees, particularly in the context of the pandemic.\u00a0 Israel must take the \u201cessential steps\u201d for a peaceful solution to the conflict, including implementing Security Council resolution 2334\u00a0(2016).<\/p>\n

TIRUMURTI\u00a0TIRUNELVELLI SRINIVASAMURTI (India<\/u>), noting recent developments that are hampering the resumption of stalled peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians, urged both parties to re\u2011engage to advance the goal of a two\u2011State solution.\u00a0 \u201cEven as peace as being pursued on the political track, the people of Palestine must not be forgotten,\u201d he said.\u00a0 Highlighting that India provides scholarships and trainings to more than 200,000\u00a0Palestinians every year, he said the India\u2011Palestine Development Partnership covers various sectors of the economy, including construction of schools and technology parks.\u00a0 India has also quadrupled its support of UNRWA, having pledged $10\u00a0million over the coming three years to provide the Agency with more consistent and sustainable support.<\/p>\n

TATAL ALFASSAM (Kuwait<\/u>), highlighting major shifts and changes the pandemic is causing in the region, said Palestinians are dealing with both COVID\u201119 and ongoing occupation.\u00a0 Indeed, the occupying Power is taking advantage of the situation to speed up its construction of illegal settlements on Palestinian territory in clear breach of international law.\u00a0 Moreover, Israeli settlers have violently targeted Palestinians without being held accountable for their actions.\u00a0 Kuwait renews its support for the Palestinian people\u2019s rights and for all efforts to allow the Palestinian people to fulfil their legitimate political rights.<\/p>\n

LANA ZAKI NUSSEIBEH (United Arab Emirates<\/u>) said the Palestinian cause has always been a foreign policy priority.\u00a0 Going forward, the United Arab Emirates will not deviate from its support for a Palestinian State based on 1967\u00a0lines with East Jerusalem as its capital.\u00a0 Stressing the need for initiatives that create a conducive environment for a two\u2011State solution, she said the United Arab Emirates has, by signing a peace treaty with Israel, achieved a freeze on the annexation of Palestinian land.\u00a0 She affirmed the need to halt illegal practices in Palestinian territories, including settlement activities and the violation of holy sites.\u00a0 She went on to voice extreme concern over the humanitarian situation, especially in light of the pandemic, and reiterated the United Arab Emirates\u2019 commitment to support the Palestinian people, including through Â鶹APP agencies.<\/p>\n

ZHANG JUN (China<\/u>) said that with the Palestinian question dragging on, the international community must make greater efforts, with the two\u2011State solution as the bottom line, adding that:\u00a0 \u201cThere is no going against the tide of history.\u201d\u00a0 Both sides must remain committed to peace talks and seek an early solution while refraining from actions the might fuel tensions.\u00a0 The question of Palestine should not be marginalized, but rather put atop the international agenda, and countries holding sway over the two sides should act with objectivity and fairness.\u00a0 He expressed support for President Abbas\u2019s call for a global peace conference, adding that the international community should help the Palestinians achieve socioeconomic development while also supporting UNRWA.<\/p>\n

GILAD MENASHE ERDAN (Israel<\/u>) said that for decades, the General Assembly discussed the question of Palestine, but has produced no useful solutions.\u00a0 The yearly debates are completely detached from reality, with Member States repeating the same Palestinian talking points and voting on the same resolutions, ignoring events on the ground and being far more interested in appeasing Palestinians than solving the problem.\u00a0 Recalling the Camp David Summit of July\u00a02000, involving United States President William J. Clinton, Prime Minister Ehud Barak of Israel and Palestinian National Authority President Yasser Arafat, he said the far\u2011reaching concessions were rejected and met with the bloody second intifada.\u00a0 The Palestinians subsequently funded terror cells, he said, dispatching them into communities in Israel.\u00a0 These acts were at the very core of conflict, but the Â鶹APP resolution at the time made no reference to it.<\/p>\n

Instead, subsequent resolutions centre only on accusations against Israel, he said.\u00a0 While Israel recently signed peace accords with Bahrain, Sudan and the United Arab Emirates, this current session\u2019s draft resolution makes no reference to them, and worse, claims that peace between Israel and other States in the Arab world is contingent upon first making peace with the Palestinian people.\u00a0 The Palestinian people have held the Arab world\u2019s interests hostage for years, he said, but the Abraham Accords signed by Israel and three parties have \u201cshattered that paradigm\u201d.\u00a0 However, the Â鶹APP continues to vote on biased resolutions while, unsurprisingly, the Palestinians attack the Bahrain, Sudan and the United Arab Emirates, calling them back\u2011stabbers.\u00a0 The Â鶹APP has long accepted the Palestinian claim of its desire for a State alongside Israel, rather than at its expense, despite Arab terrorism having started long before\u00a01967 or even\u00a01948.\u00a0 President Abbas ignored former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert\u2019s generous 2008\u00a0peace offer and has rejected further invitations to negotiate.\u00a0 A draft based on a Palestinian narrative only fans the flames of conflict, he said, with the Â鶹APP thereby making a solution more elusive with futile debates, redundant resolutions and hollow words that do nothing.<\/p>\n

MOHAMED FATHI AHMED EDREES (Egypt<\/u>) said COVID\u201119 has worsened an already challenging situation amid Israeli policies that have triggered a deterioration of conditions in the occupied territories, hindering a settlement of the Palestinian question and benefitting extremist currents that spread terror and diminish the chance of peace.\u00a0 No peace is possible without a lasting and just settlement, he said, welcoming the Committee\u2019s efforts to raise public awareness and noting Egypt\u2019s continued efforts to support the Palestinian people.\u00a0 There can be no annexation of territories by force, he said, emphasizing that the Palestinian people have a right to self\u2011determination.\u00a0 Expressing support for these draft resolutions, he called on Member States to support them and looked forward to a just and lasting settlement and an end to the suffering.<\/p>\n

MONA JUUL (Norway<\/u>) said only a negotiated two\u2011State solution can lead to a durable peace.\u00a0 Welcoming the recent resumption of cooperation between the parties, she called on them to renew dialogue on fiscal issues.\u00a0 Ready to support all efforts towards a constructive dialogue, she welcomed the normalization process between Israel, Bahrain, Sudan and the United Arab Emirates.\u00a0 Raising several concerns, she said the pandemic has aggravated conditions, with an alarming increase in cases in the Gaza Strip, at a time when Israel has announced plans for settlement expansions in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.\u00a0 Similarly, continuing house demolitions constitute a significant impediment to the two\u2011State solution and should be halted, she said, calling on Israel to mark its current suspension of annexation plans as permanent.<\/p>\n

FERIDUN HADI\u00a0SINIRLIO\u011eLU (Turkey<\/u>), voicing strong support for the Palestinian people\u2019s right to their land and condemning the occupation, said the systematic expansion of illegal settlements, disproportionate use of force against civilians, threats of annexation and the Gaza blockade seriously undermine the prospect of a two\u2011State solution.\u00a0 Steps towards the unlawful annexation of Jerusalem threaten the legal status of the city, its demographic composition and multicultural character.\u00a0 Pointing to the latest report of the Â鶹APP Conference on Trade and Development\u00a0(UNCTAD), he said the cumulative cost of the blockade and military operations amounts to $16.7\u00a0billion.\u00a0 In this context, UNRWA is indispensable for providing vital health, relief and emergency assistance to millions, but has had to curtail services, including vaccinations, due to funding shortages, he said, underlining the international community\u2019s collective and moral duty to step up support to the Agency.<\/p>\n

ALYA AHMED SAIF\u00a0AL-THANI (Qatar<\/u>) voiced support for the Assembly\u2019s adoption of annual resolutions on the question of Palestine and the Middle East that underscore international law, Â鶹APP principles, human rights and the maintenance of peace and security.\u00a0 However, she remained concerned about ongoing Israeli occupation, settlement and annexation activities, attempts to alter the status of Jerusalem, the siege of Gaza, the pillage of Palestinian natural resources and the deteriorating economic situation in the occupied territories.\u00a0 For its part, Qatar provides humanitarian and financial support for the Palestinians, including $150\u00a0million in response to the pandemic and an increased contribution to UNRWA.<\/p>\n

PEDRO LUIS PEDROSO CUESTA (Cuba<\/u>) called on the Security Council to fulfil its responsibility and call for the immediate end to the occupation and to Israel\u2019s aggressive policies and colonizing practices.\u00a0 The United States is plunging this body into disrepute, he said, rejecting its unilateral decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to establish its diplomatic representation there, disrespecting the city\u2019s historical status.\u00a0 Denouncing the United States\u2019 withdrawal of financial support for UNRWA, he expressed opposition to the \u201cdeal of the century\u201d drawn up by the current administration and the decision to recognize the occupied Syrian Golan as Israeli territory, constituting a serious and blatant violation of the Â鶹APP Charter, international law and relevant Security Council resolutions.<\/p>\n

OMAR\u00a0KADIRI (Morocco<\/u>), noting that his delegation chairs the committee on Jerusalem at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, said the city is crucial to the Middle East.\u00a0 As such, a solution must be based on the possibility for the Palestinian people to live in peace and security alongside Israel.\u00a0 However, illegal annexations are exacerbating tensions in the region, and the pandemic is worsening conditions, with Palestinians suffering daily violations of their rights and settlement activities contravening international law.\u00a0 Jerusalem must be united and its historical and religious status unchanged, as the city is at the heart of all solutions and must be safeguarded as the heritage of humankind that is open to all religions.\u00a0 Pledging a renewed commitment to UNWRA, he urged the resumption of Israeli\u2011Palestinian negotiations to find a solution to all problems.<\/p>\n

IBRAHIM\u00a0ZUHUREE (Maldives<\/u>) said the Israeli occupation has deprived Palestinians from exercising their human rights to freedom and peace.\u00a0 Raising concerns over deteriorating humanitarian and socioeconomic conditions, he underscored the vital role of UNRWA, the only lifeline for millions of refugees.\u00a0 Meanwhile, Israel continues to strip away the dignity of the Palestinian people through arbitrary arrests, discrimination and administrative detention, with its annexation plan being \u201ca blatant demonstration of its disregard towards the wishes of the international community for peace,\u201d he said, condemning Israel\u2019s violation of international law and reiterating his delegation\u2019s support for a two\u2011State solution.<\/p>\n

OSUGA\u00a0TAKESHI (Japan<\/u>), expressing renewed support for the Palestinian people\u2019s long\u2011held aspirations to found a State, said Tokyo remains committed to a two\u2011State solution.\u00a0 As the situation can only be resolved through negotiations, he urged both sides to strive for trust and refrain from unilateral acts.\u00a0 Recalling the worsening situation on the ground over the last four years and Israel\u2019s settlement activities, he raised concerns about violence against civilians.\u00a0 Determined to support the economic development required to build a future independent self\u2011reliant Palestinian State, he pointed to the Jericho Agro\u2011Industrial Park, a flagship initiative aimed at creating jobs.\u00a0 Expressing concern over the spread of COVID\u201119 in Gaza, he said Japan has provided $30\u00a0million in voluntary contributions to UNRWA, including $1.5\u00a0million specifically towards combatting the virus and $4\u00a0million for food assistance.<\/p>\n

NASREDDINE\u00a0NAOUALI (Tunisia<\/u>) said a just, lasting and holistic peace in the Middle East involves Israel\u2019s withdrawal from all occupied territories, including the Syrian Golan.\u00a0 Recalling the commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People on 29\u00a0November, he called on the international community to shoulder its responsibility.\u00a0 The occupying Power is continuing its expansionist colonial policies without any accountability.\u00a0 As such, Tunisia seeks to expedite the implementation of peace as a strategic choice in line with legitimate international resolutions.\u00a0 Moreover, Palestinian civilians must be protected, especially considering the economic and humanitarian consequences of the pandemic.<\/p>\n

JAMAL FARES\u00a0ALROWAIEI (Bahrain<\/u>), expressing his delegation\u2019s support for the Palestinian people and their right to establish a State, said peace represents a strategic option to push forward this process and create stability in the Middle East.\u00a0 As such, Bahrain has expressed support for peace with Israel to achieve Palestinian aspirations in terms of regaining their legitimate rights.\u00a0 The Middle East faces unprecedented challenges that require cooperation, he observed, underscoring the importance of coexistence, tolerance and acceptance.\u00a0 As such, he called on the international community to intensify efforts to enhance good neighbourliness and the building of relations based on common interests between States in the region.<\/p>\n

MD MONWAR\u00a0HOSSAIN (Bangladesh<\/u>) regretted to note the international community\u2019s repeated and still unheeded appeals to improve conditions for the Palestinian people.\u00a0 The Israeli occupation has jeopardized the lives of millions of Palestinians for five decades, yet a solution remains elusive, while the COVID\u201119 pandemic has become a crisis within a crisis, pushing the economy of the Palestinian territories to the verge of a meltdown.\u00a0 The UNRWA funding crisis and the decline in donor aid must be reversed, he said, also calling on the international community to maintain pressure on Israel to end the occupation.<\/p>\n

XOLISA MFUNDISO MABHONGO (South Africa<\/u>) expressed support for all efforts to achieve a viable Palestinian State, including the convening of an international conference to resolve final status issues.\u00a0 Voicing concern at ongoing occupation and settlement activities, he called on the Government of Israel to immediately halt the demolition of Palestinian structures, especially in light of a pandemic that has compounded humanitarian and economic difficulties.\u00a0 He also appealed to the international community to support UNRWA efforts to provide much\u2011needed assistance to Palestinian refugees.<\/p>\n

SAAD AHMAD\u00a0WARRAICH (Pakistan<\/u>) said that since partition 73\u00a0years ago, the story of the Palestinian people has been a tale of broken promises, sowing seeds of endless discord in the Middle East.\u00a0 The pandemic has exacerbated an already dire situation.\u00a0 The Palestinian issue is not a question of victor or vanquished, but of the principles of the Â鶹APP Charter.\u00a0 The fundamental structure of the two\u2011State solution is being dismantled before the international community\u2019s eyes, with many doubting if peace can be achieved at all, as illegal expansion of settlements into the occupied territory threatens to become an annexation.\u00a0 Meanwhile, UNRWA faces financial constraints in serving more than 5\u00a0million refugees.\u00a0 This core issue of the Middle East has contributed most to the anger and frustration of the people of the Arab and Muslim world, and its resolution is crucial to the peace and security of region, he said, calling for a sovereign, independent and viable Palestinian State.<\/p>\n

Situation in the Middle East<\/u><\/p>\n

AHMED ABDELAZIZ AHMED ELGHARIB (Egypt<\/u>) introduced the draft resolution \u201cThe Syrian Golan\u201d (document\u00a0A\/75\/L.29), which would have the Assembly once more demand that Israel withdraw from the occupied Syrian Golan, in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions.\u00a0 He explained that this annual text contains the same language as the 2019\u00a0resolution, with technical updates.\u00a0 The Middle East is facing a downward spiral, with new crises joining protracted ones, and this trend cannot be broken in the absence of respect for international law. \u00a0That means ending the occupation of all Palestinian territories and the Syrian Golan, he said, urging the international community to take a stand against the lack of adherence to the Â鶹APP Charter.<\/p>\n

BASHAR JA\u2019AFARI (Syria<\/u>) said that the Assembly\u2019s annual resolutions on the Syrian Golan bring it in line with Security Council resolution\u00a0497\u00a0(1981).\u00a0 Any measures that Israel takes to impose its laws, sovereignty and administration on the occupied Golan are illegal, null and void.\u00a0 Recalling that the current United States administration considers occupied Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, he said that its subsequent recognition of Israel\u2019s sovereignty over the Syrian Golan is akin to its donating parts of Florida, California or Massachusetts to Israel.\u00a0 It is shameful that a century after the British crime of the Balfour Declaration, the United States is perpetrating the same crime, rather than encouraging the path of a just and comprehensive Middle East peace.\u00a0 He described as provocative the recent visit by the Secretary of State of the United States to Israel\u2019s settlements, just as the current United States administration is about to end.\u00a0 Syria will never forfeit its right to regain its occupied lands, he said, demanding that the Â鶹APP act immediately to ensure the implementation of its resolutions.<\/p>\n

MAR\u00cdA DEL CARMEN SQUEFF (Argentina<\/u>) echoed concerns about settlement activities, saying that they must cease as they run counter to international law, hinder peace and weaken prospects for a two\u2011State solution while also provoking an unsustainable status quo.\u00a0 She added that Palestinian leaders must seriously address Israel\u2019s security concerns, and that the final status of Jerusalem should be determined by the parties during bilateral negotiations.\u00a0 Turning to the Syrian Golan, she expressed support for negotiations aimed at ending the occupation as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

Action<\/u><\/p>\n

The Assembly then took action on the four draft resolutions on the question of Palestine.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Israel<\/u>, in an explanation of position, said that not only do these resolutions fail to promote peace, but every single one is a distraction to peace, reinforcing a false narrative of the conflict while convincing Palestinians that there is no need to negotiate because the Â鶹APP will fight for their outrageous demands to be met.\u00a0 Why should Israelis trust the Â鶹APP when a majority of Member States renew the mandate of bodies whose sole purpose is to promote anti\u2011Israel bias, he wondered.\u00a0 Funding propaganda against a Member State is not only outrageous and shameful, but a misuse of Â鶹APP resources that should be used to save lives.\u00a0 The peace agreements that Israel has signed with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Sudan prove that peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through direct negotiations and that Â鶹APP intervention is unnecessary.<\/p>\n

The representative of the\u00a0United States<\/u>\u00a0said her country continues to take steps to rebuild trust in the region, including through its forward-looking peace initiative.\u00a0 However, despite such positive steps, the United States is disappointed, though not surprised, that the Assembly is taking up unbalanced resolutions that are unfair to Israel.\u00a0 Such a one\u2011sided approach can only undermine trust, she said, adding that the draft resolutions recycle tired rhetoric that do nothing to advance peace.\u00a0 It is troubling to see the Â鶹APP being used so often to treat one Member State, Israel, unequally, while nothing is said about terrorist attacks.\u00a0 The United States is committed to a comprehensive peace agreement, but resolutions like those today distract from the goal shared by all Member States.<\/p>\n

The Assembly adopted the resolution \u201cCommittee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People\u201d (document\u00a0A\/75\/L.32) by a recorded vote of 91\u00a0in favour to 17\u00a0against, with 54\u00a0abstentions.<\/p>\n

Through its provisions, the Assembly requested the Committee to continue focusing activities throughout\u00a02021 and\u00a02022 on efforts and initiatives to end the Israeli occupation.<\/p>\n

The Assembly then adopted the resolution \u201cDivision for Palestinian Rights of the Secretariat\u201d (document\u00a0A\/75\/L.33) by a recorded vote of 82\u00a0in favour to 25\u00a0against, with 53\u00a0abstentions.<\/p>\n

By its terms, the Assembly requested the Division to continue to monitor developments relevant to the question of Palestine and invited all Governments and organizations to extend their cooperation to the Division in the performance of its tasks.<\/p>\n

The Assembly then adopted the draft resolution \u201cPeaceful settlement of the question of Palestine\u201d (document\u00a0A\/75\/L.34) by a recorded vote of 145\u00a0in favour to 7\u00a0against (Australia, Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, United States), with 9\u00a0abstentions (Brazil, Cameroon, Guatemala, Honduras, Madagascar, Malawi, Palau, Rwanda, South Africa).<\/p>\n

By the terms of the resolution, the Assembly called for the full respect for international law, and for the promotion of human security, the de\u2011escalation of the situation, the exercise of restraint and the establishment of a stable environment conducive to the pursuit of peace.\u00a0 It also called on all Member States not to recognize any changes to the pre\u20111967 borders, including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those agreed by the parties through negotiations.\u00a0 As such, agreements with Israel must not imply recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the territories occupied by Israel in\u00a01967.<\/p>\n

The Assembly then adopted the draft resolution \u201cSpecial information programme on the question of Palestine of the Department of Global Communications of the Secretariat\u201d (document\u00a0A\/75\/L.35) by a recorded vote of 142\u00a0in favour to 8\u00a0against (Australia, Canada, Hungary, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, United States), with 11\u00a0abstentions.<\/p>\n

By its terms, the Assembly requested the Department to expand its collection of audiovisual material on the question of Palestine, as well as to periodically update the public exhibit displayed in the General Assembly Building.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Hungary<\/u>, aligning with the European Union and speaking in her national capacity, expressed support for a two\u2011State solution and negotiations between the two sides.\u00a0 She likewise expressed hope that dialogue can be renewed in good faith.\u00a0 Hungary is willing to lend its support to any resolution that is balanced and fair and beneficial for all.\u00a0 Resolutions without balance are detrimental to the peace process.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Germany<\/u>, speaking on behalf of the European Union, said he views all resolutions referring to any Palestinian Government as referring to Palestine authorities.\u00a0 Any reference to Palestine cannot be recognized as the State of Palestine.<\/p>\n

The Assembly then turned its attention to the draft resolution \u201cThe Syrian Golan\u201d (document\u00a0A\/75\/L.29), adopting it by a recorded vote of 88\u00a0in favour to 9\u00a0against (Australia, Brazil, Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, United Kingdom, United States), with 62\u00a0abstentions.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Argentina<\/u>, in an explanation of position, said she voted in favour of the resolution due to the illegality of acquiring territory by force \u2014 an action that is prohibited by the Charter of the Â鶹APP.\u00a0 She stressed the importance of resuming negotiations to end the occupation of the Golan Heights and to resolve the situation in line with the relevant Security Council resolutions.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Moldova<\/u>\u00a0took the floor to note a technical error in the voting, in which her country\u2019s position was not properly registered as a vote of abstention.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Iran<\/u>, welcoming the adoption of the resolution, praised Member States for their strong support of the State of Palestine\u2019s cause and the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.\u00a0 After more than 70\u00a0years, Israel\u2019s regime continues to violate the fundamental rights of those living under its occupation.\u00a0 In the Gaza Strip \u2014 the world\u2019s largest open\u2011air prison \u2014 the collective punishment inflicted on the population, including women and children, constitutes a war crime under international law.\u00a0 He urged the international community to ensure that the Palestinian people can exercise their inalienable right to self\u2011determination.\u00a0 Referencing the recent assassination of several top Iranian scientists \u2014 including that of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, which \u201cbears serious indications of Israeli responsibility\u201d \u2014 he said that these actions represent attempts to jeopardize national and regional peace and that Iran reserves the right to take all necessary measures to defend its people and secure its interests.<\/p>\n

An observer for the\u00a0State of Palestine<\/u>, in explanation of position, said the near\u2011universal endorsement of the resolutions demonstrates the broad support for the issues they address.\u00a0 Central to all is the goal of finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Palestine that will bring an end to Israel\u2019s occupation and establish an independent and sovereign State of Palestine.\u00a0 She went on to reject remarks by Israel that attack and insult the General Assembly and all the States that voted in favour of the resolutions.\u00a0 The texts are not based on \u201cso\u2011called Palestinian talking points\u201d but actually reflect international consensus, which Israel seeks to destroy.\u00a0 Israel refuses to abide by international law and Â鶹APP resolutions, she said, calling for accountability in that regard.<\/p>\n

\/…<\/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-FIFTH SESSION,\u00a034TH & 35TH MEETINGS (AM & PM) GA\/12292 2 DECEMBER 2020 Fran\u00e7ais\u00a0 The General Assembly today adopted seven resolutions, including five on the question of Palestine and the Middle East, one of which cited the illegality of annexing any part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and two on the importance of fostering a culture […]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":172,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"template":"template-page.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"country":[1593],"document-category":[1329],"document-source":[1753,2173,1365,6169],"committee-meeting":[],"document-subject":[2237,1801,1749,1905,2145],"entity":[1729],"document-language":[6541],"class_list":["post-243132","document","type-document","status-publish","hentry","country-palestine-state-of","document-category-press-release","document-source-ceirpp","document-source-division-for-palestinian-rights-dpr","document-source-general-assembly","document-source-united-nations-department-of-global-communications","document-subject-golan-heights","document-subject-inalienable-rights-of-the-palestinian-people","document-subject-palestine-question","document-subject-peace-proposals-and-efforts","document-subject-public-information","entity-united-nations-system","document-language-french"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/243132","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\/243132\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=243132"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=243132"},{"taxonomy":"document-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-category?post=243132"},{"taxonomy":"document-source","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-source?post=243132"},{"taxonomy":"committee-meeting","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/committee-meeting?post=243132"},{"taxonomy":"document-subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-subject?post=243132"},{"taxonomy":"entity","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/entity?post=243132"},{"taxonomy":"document-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-language?post=243132"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}