United Nations adopts five resolutions in favor of the Palestinian cause

New York, (ST) – The Fourth Committee of the UN General Assembly on Political issues last night adopted by an overwhelming majority five resolutions in favor of the Palestinian cause.

Wafa News Agency stated that among the most important resolutions was the one that supported the Palestinian refugees, which includes the mandate of (UNRWA). The resolution was supported by 160 countries and opposed by the Israeli entity only. Nine countries abstained from voting.

 Another important resolution condemned the Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied territories and demanded a cessation for settlement building activities. This resolution was supported by 142 countries and opposed by Israel and six states. 16 other countries abstained from voting.

For the first time, a resolution was adopted condemning settlement expansion, including the establishment of settlement units and the demolition of Palestinian homes, which prevent the Palestinian people from exercising their basic rights. The resolution also welcomed the recommendations of the Secretary-General to provide protection for the Palestinian people.

The Permanent Representative of Palestine to the United Nations Riyad Mansour stressed that this vote is a clear international message from the General Assembly that comes one day after the meeting of the Security Council, which expressed a similar position. He said that, these decisions will be adopted later in the General Assembly.

Mansour called for putting this international consensus into tangible measures on the ground, implementing UN resolutions, including the Security Council resolution 2334, and taking practical measures to stop settlement building, end the occupation and provide protection for the Palestinian people, their institutions and holy sites.

He also called for continuing to provide support for the Palestinian refugees through (UNRWA) and for their right to self-determination and return.

Raghda Sawas