Adoption of UN General Assembly resolution on the illegality of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory

The Brazilian government welcomes the adoption, today, by the United Nations General Assembly, of a resolution regarding the illegality of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories. The resolution is based on the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on Israel's policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem.

More than two-thirds of the UN Member States supported the decision, with 124 votes in favor, 14 against, and 43 abstentions. The resolution was co-sponsored and supported by Brazil. This is the first draft resolution presented at the UN by Palestine, which holds the status of a non-member observer State to the Organization, with additional prerogatives granted by the General Assembly in May of this year.

The approved resolution outlines the modalities and actions necessary to implement the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice dated July 19th 2024. On that occasion, the Court concluded that Israel’s policies and practices in East Jerusalem and the West Bank amount to the annexation of large portions of the occupied Palestinian territory and constitutes a violation of its obligation to prevent and combat racial discrimination and apartheid.

The resolution also calls for Israel to end its unlawful presence in the occupied Palestinian territory within a period of up to 12 months; cease all violations of international law and international humanitarian law related to the occupation, as well as repair the damage caused to the  Palestinians. It also calls on States and the UN not to recognize the consequences of the Israeli occupation as lawful.

The Brazilian government considers that this is another step towards ensuring the right of the Palestinians to self-determination, based on the two-state solution, with an independent and viable State of Palestine, coexisting alongside Israel in peace and security.

Brazil has recognized, since 2010, the State of Palestine within the 1967 borders, which include the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Brazil firmly supports Palestine’s bid to become a full member of the UN.