The body will hear the latest report from the special coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, after Tel Aviv intensified its offensive in the West Bank in recent weeks, and will review the violations committed by Israeli settlers regarding resolution 2334, adopted by the Council in 2016 to demand the cessation of all settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
The meeting is especially relevant after the UN General Assembly approved by an overwhelming majority on Wednesday, a resolution that considers Israel’s presence in said territories illegal and demanded its departure within 12 months.
The bill was introduced by Palestine and co-sponsored by dozens of countries, and received 124 votes in favor, 14 against and 43 abstentions.
“The General Assembly demands that Israel immediately end its illegal presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which constitutes a continued unlawful act that gives rise to its international responsibility, and that it do so no later than twelve months after the adoption of this resolution,” states the document, which calls for the prompt fulfillment of Israel’s legal obligations under international law.
The resolution also calls for the return of land, real estate and assets confiscated since the beginning of the occupation in 1967, as well as all property and cultural assets taken from Palestinians and their institutions.
jrr/llp/jf/ebr
