The United Nations General Assembly recently passed a resolution calling for Israel to end its illegal occupation of Palestinian territory within one year, with 124 in favor, 12 against, and 43 abstaining. While seen as a win for Palestinian advocacy, the number of countries not supporting the resolution signals a failure of moral courage and a hypocritical side to global governance. The resolution was based on the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which deemed Israel’s occupation illegal and its settlements on Palestinian land must be dismantled.
International scholars agree that occupation is a criminal act, and Israel’s actions in Gaza have been deemed genocidal by the ICJ. Despite this, the US and other Western nations have supported Israel, overlooking human rights violations. This double standard in responding to occupations, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, raises concerns about the legitimacy of international law.
The abstentions and opposition to the UNGA resolution highlight a worrying trend where powerful nations act unilaterally, disregarding international law. This erosion of the legal regime threatens global order and allows for the powerful to oppress the weak without consequences. To restore faith in international law, countries must prioritize human rights over strategic interests and hold each other accountable for violations. Consistent application of international law and a unified front from the international community are crucial to prevent a future governed by the “law of the jungle”.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
