UNGA adopts resolution affirming Palestinians' rights to self-determination by overwhelming majority

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.

18 Dec 2024 09:49pm
Photo: United Nations website
Photo: United Nations website

NEW YORK - The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday adopted a resolution affirming the Palestinian people’s 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 abstained, including Ecuador, Liberia, Togo, Tonga, Panama, Palau, Tuvalu and Kiribati.

The adoption of this resolution reflects a global rejection of Israel's occupation and colonial activities, which hinder the Palestinian people from achieving their right to self-determination and living with dignity in an independent state, according to 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 General Assembly's adoption of the resolution, emphasising that it represents a fundamental and inalienable right, as well as a cornerstone of the United Nations 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 the Palestinian people are enduring genocide and ongoing violations of all their rights, including the right to self-determination.

It also highlighted the importance of implementing the General Assembly's resolution, which endorsed the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the illegality of the Israeli occupation.

WAFA reported 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