New York, 6 November 2021 (TDI): The Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) approved a resolution on the right of Palestinian rights, specifically the right of self‑determination.
The draft resolution was approved by a vote of 158 in favor, to 6 against, which includes Israel and the United States. It also counts with 10 abstentions (Australia, Cameroon, Guatemala, Honduras, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Solomon Islands, Togo, Tonga). The country in charge of introducing the resolution was Egypt, on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Moreover, stressed that all States have the right to live in peace within internationally recognized borders.
In the document, the UNGA would reaffirm the right of the Palestinian people to an independent State. It also urges all States and organizations to support the two states’ solution and the right to self‑determination.
In that sense, the Representative of Israel stated that his country’s votes against the draft. According to him, it goes beyond the Third Committee’s purview. As well, he invited the Member States to consider other approaches to resolving the question of Palestine.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates welcomed the approval of the resolution. The Representatives stated that it responds to all Israeli practices and crimes. Likewise, it affirms the sovereignty of the Palestinian people over the land of the State of Palestine.
The Ministry urged the States and the United Nations to assume their responsibilities to protect the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. It claims to take practical measures to dismantle the Israeli regime.
Previously, the State of Palestine required that the International Criminal Court immediately begin its investigations into the crimes of the occupation and its settlers.