Oxfam reaction to UNGA vote on Palestinian resolution and the UK abstaining

“This historic vote has shown that the international community overwhelmingly recognises its obligations in ensuring the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and an immediate end to Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian territory.

“However, the UK’s decision to abstain from the vote does nothing to uphold the government’s claim to be among the 'defenders' of international law. Coupled with the fact the UK is still supplying arms that Israel is using to kill civilians and maintain its occupation, is profoundly disappointing.

“It is now up to the UN Security Council to uphold the will of the General Assembly and enforce this sober, responsible and detailed resolution. Where the UK continues to abstain in its capacity as a permanent member, this will only confirm the extent to which the government is prepared to place its own strategic and military interests over the moral duty to promote the principles of freedom and self-determination that our country holds so dear.”

/Ends

Notes to editor:

The resolution lays out the steps necessary to implement July’s legally definitive International Court of Justice opinion that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian Territory (Gaza, East Jerusalem and the West Bank) is unlawful and must end immediately; that illegal settlers must leave; that Israel must pay reparations to Palestinians for harm caused since 1967; that no third State may provide any aid or assist Israel’s continuing crimes; and that Israel’s legislation and measures breach Article 3 of CERD, which condemns racial segregation and apartheid. The next stage is for the UNSC to adopt a resolution under Chapter VII of the UN Charter to enforce that implementation.