The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) recently adopted a resolution calling for Israel to end its illegal occupation of Palestinian territory within a year, with 124 in favor, 12 against, and 43 abstentions. While seen as a victory for Palestinian advocacy, the fact that 54 countries did not support the resolution highlights hypocrisy and a lack of moral courage in global governance. The resolution is based on a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) stating that Israel’s occupation is illegal, settlements must be dismantled, and reparations paid to Palestinians.
Despite clear international law condemning occupation, some countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany, voted against or abstained from supporting the resolution. These countries have been accused of complicity in Israeli war crimes and genocide, yet have supported other occupations elsewhere. This double standard erodes the integrity of the global legal framework, signaling that powerful nations can act with impunity.
The failure to hold Israel accountable for violations not only affects Palestinians but also undermines justice and accountability globally. To prevent a descent into lawlessness, countries must prioritize human rights over strategic interests, hold each other accountable regardless of alliances, and apply international law consistently. Only through decisive action can the ideals of international law be upheld and the world saved from a dark future governed by the “law of the jungle”.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
