The September 17 UN Resolution: A Turning Point in the Fight Against Israeli Occupation

On September 17, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution, overwhelmingly demanding that Israel “end its unlawful presence” in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. More than just a symbolic rebuke, the resolution calls for concrete action, including sanctions against Israel and a prohibition on any member state from engaging in activities that sustain Israel's presence in the West Bank and Gaza. This bold stance marks a significant shift in how the international community is addressing Israel’s decades-long occupation, drawing concern from Israel and its allies, particularly the United States.

A Step Beyond Symbolism

UNGA resolutions are often dismissed as toothless, unenforceable statements without the force of international law. Critics may ask: does this resolution bring any tangible change? The answer lies in the evolution of global attitudes toward Israel’s occupation. While past resolutions have condemned Israel’s actions, this one goes further by making a specific call for action. It demands that member states actively sanction Israel for its violations of international law, a clear departure from the more passive language of previous resolutions.

According to Mondoweiss, this resolution, while not enforceable, "adds another log to the growing fire of anger toward Israel." It directly challenges the status quo, placing moral and political pressure on nations that have normalized relations with Israel or are otherwise hesitant to criticize it.

Why This Resolution Matters

The significance of this resolution lies in the breadth of its support and the specific actions it demands. 124 countries, including major powers like France, China, and Russia, as well as regional players such as Egypt, Jordan, and Morocco, voted in favor of the resolution. These nations, many of which have normalized relations with Israel, are now publicly endorsing a call for sanctions.

This broad coalition sends a clear message: Israel’s ongoing occupation and settlement activities are no longer tolerable, and the international community will not remain complicit in sustaining them. Even countries that abstained from the vote, such as the United Kingdom, now find themselves under growing scrutiny. The United States, notably the only permanent member of the UN Security Council to oppose the resolution, finds itself increasingly isolated in its unwavering support for Israel.

This vote also comes in the wake of a pivotal ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in July, which declared all of Israel’s actions in the West Bank and Gaza illegal and non-temporary. The ICJ further ruled that states are obligated not to assist in maintaining Israel’s occupation. The UNGA’s resolution bolsters this legal verdict, reinforcing the demand that member states must take tangible steps to end their complicity in Israel’s crimes.

Israel’s Unease

Israel’s reaction to the resolution has been telling. While Israeli officials and their allies in Washington have downplayed the significance of the UNGA vote, behind the scenes, they have been mobilizing diplomatic efforts to mitigate its impact. Earlier this month, Israel pressured members of Congress to intervene with South Africa, urging it to drop its genocide case against Israel at the ICJ. These actions reveal Israel’s genuine concern over the growing international legal and political pressure it faces.

This concern is well-founded. The UNGA resolution not only aligns with the ICJ’s ruling but also places unprecedented pressure on member states to act. A country that votes in favor of this resolution but fails to follow through with sanctions or other measures may face serious questions from its citizens and the international community. This resolution could serve as a turning point, forcing Israel and its allies to confront the reality that their impunity can no longer be taken for granted.

Toward a New International Consensus

While it is true that this resolution cannot compel Israel to comply, it is a significant step toward shifting international opinion and laying the groundwork for future action. The growing association of Israel with apartheid, aggression, and now genocide, makes it increasingly difficult for states and private sector actors to justify deepening ties with Israel. As Israel's behavior becomes more egregious, more countries and companies will view it as a risky partner, limiting its economic and political clout.

The UNGA’s resolution, backed by the ICJ’s legal authority, signals that the international legal system is finally taking steps to hold Israel accountable. While past efforts have faltered, this recent vote offers a glimmer of hope for Palestinians and their advocates. The global community is starting to unite around a clear demand: Israel’s occupation must end, and there will be consequences for those who continue to support it.

Conclusion

The September 17 resolution represents a shift from condemnation to action and places significant pressure on the international community to follow through. While it may not bring immediate change on the ground, it is a clear sign that Israel’s days of unchecked occupation may be coming to an end. With mounting legal, political, and economic pressure, the global consensus is shifting—and Israel and its allies know it.​