World demands end to Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestine, in landslide UN vote
Sep 19, 2024
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Ben Norton, an analyst specializing in geopolitics and international law, dives into the recent UN resolution demanding an end to Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory. With 124 countries endorsing the resolution, Norton dissects the geopolitical ramifications and highlights the stark contrast between the Global South's support and the Western nations' positions. He also critiques the U.S. influence, exploring its role in obstructing Palestine's recognition and examining the historical context behind America's unwavering support for Israel.
The UN resolution demanding an end to Israel's occupation highlights a major geopolitical divide between Global South support and Western opposition.
The International Court of Justice's ruling deemed Israel's occupation unlawful, revealing the hypocrisy of Western nations regarding international law and human rights.
Deep dives
UN Resolution Against Israel's Occupation
A significant UN resolution was passed condemning Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories, with an overwhelming majority of 124 countries voting in support. The resolution demands Israel end its occupation within 12 months, dismantle parts of the separation wall, and allow displaced Palestinians the right to return and receive reparations for damages. This initiative was rooted in an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice, which emphasized the illegality of Israel's continued presence in occupied territories. The vote illustrates a stark divide between the Global South, largely supporting Palestine, and Western nations prioritizing Israel's stance.
Voting Patterns Reveal Global Divisions
Analysis of the voting patterns highlights a significant geopolitical divide, with the Global South's strong support for the resolution contrasting sharply with Western opposition. Notable exceptions included Japan's surprising decision to support the resolution, indicating a shift in its foreign policy regarding Palestine. Meanwhile, countries like India abstained, reflecting a concerning trend as its current government aligns more closely with U.S. interests, thereby straying from its historical support for Palestinian rights. The abstentions and votes against the resolution from several Western-aligned nations emphasize the ongoing influence of geopolitical alliances on international law and human rights.
International Law and Western Hypocrisy
The International Court of Justice's ruling declared Israel's occupation unlawful and mandated it cease all settlement activities while aiding the displaced Palestinians. The ruling further underscores that other states providing support to Israel during its occupation violate international law. This contradiction reveals the hypocrisy of Western nations, which advocate for a rules-based international order while simultaneously undermining established international law to support their imperialistic interests. The prevalent narrative from the West regarding democracy and human rights is increasingly called into question, especially given its role in supporting Israel's actions against the Palestinian people.
The vast majority of the world voted at the UN General Assembly to demand an end to Israel's unlawful occupation of Palestinian territory within 12 months, with 124 countries (64%) in favor, 14 (7%) against, and 43 (22%) abstentions. Ben Norton analyzes the geopolitics of the vote, and how the US and most of the West is violating international law.
VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sK9dmK8p0n0
Sources and more information here: https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2024/09/19/end-israel-occupation-palestine-un-vote/
Topics
0:00 Intro
0:21 Chart of countries' votes at UN
1:00 UN resolution demands end to Israel's occupation
2:22 Map & analysis of countries' votes at UN
6:49 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling
8:28 West's "rules-based order" threatens international law
12:41 USA blocks full UN membership for Palestine
14:45 Why USA supports Israel, its "unsinkable aircraft carrier"
15:55 (Clips) Biden: US would create Israel if it didn't exist
16:20 US empire opposes peace, in Gaza and worldwide
18:12 Outro
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