The United Nations General Assembly’s recent resolution calling for Israel to end its illegal occupation of Palestinian territory within one year has sparked a mix of reactions. While the resolution was passed with 124 in favor, 12 against, and 43 abstentions, some see it as a significant victory for Palestinian advocacy. However, the fact that 54 countries did not back the resolution raises concerns about global governance and hypocrisy.
The resolution, which demanded Israel to end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, echoes the findings of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that ruled Israel’s occupation as illegal and called for dismantling of settlements and reparations to Palestinians. Despite clear international law on occupation, some countries, including the US, UK, and Germany, either voted against or abstained from supporting the resolution.
This double standard in responses to occupations – as seen in US and UK support for Ukraine against Russia but reluctance to condemn Israeli occupation – underscores a troubling trend undermining the integrity of the global legal framework. This inconsistency and hypocrisy not only deepen divisions between the West and the Global South but also weaken international law’s ability to prevent atrocities.
To restore faith in international law and promote justice, countries must prioritize human rights over strategic interests and hold each other accountable for violations. A unified front from the international community is needed to ensure consistent application of international law without bias. Failure to address these issues risks descending into a world governed by the law of the jungle, where powerful nations act unilaterally without consequences. Decisive action is essential to uphold the ideals of international law and prevent a lawless future.
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