UN declares that Israel's imposition of laws on Jerusalem are illegal and invalid

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan at a press conference earlier this year (MaanImages Archive)

December 4, 2006

Ma'an & UN sources - By traditionally wide margins, the United Nations General Assembly on Friday adopted a series of resolutions on the situation in the Middle East, sponsored by Arab and non-aligned delegations, including one text reaffirming the United Nations’ permanent responsibility regarding the question of Palestine, until the question is resolved in all its aspects and in accordance with international law.

The General Assembly passed several resolutions in favour of the right of Palestinians to self-determination and Israel's withdrawal from the Syrian Golan. On the resolution for the right of Palestinians to self-determination and an independent state, which stressed the need for Israel's withdrawal from the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, the resolution passed by a recorded 157 votes in favour to 7 against with 10 abstentions. The countries that voted against the resolution were Australia, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau and the United States. The assembly declared that achieving a just and lasting settlement of the question of Palestine is the key to stability in the Middle East.

Speaking after the action, the Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations thanked those who had voted in favour of the resolution, calling the 192-member Assembly’s overwhelmingly positive response yet another indication of the massive support part of the international community towards moving forward the peace process.

On the question of Jerusalem, the General Assembly was very firm, stating that, "any actions taken by Israel to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration on the Holy City are illegal and, therefore, null and void, and had no validity whatsoever." This resolution was passed by a recorded 157 in favour and 6 against.

The assembly also expressed its concern about Israel's illegal settlement activities – the "E-1 plan" in Jerusalem – the construction of the illegal separation wall in and around East Jerusalem, and the further isolation of the city from the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The Assembly declared that this action is, “having a detrimental effect on the lives of Palestinians and could prejudge a final status agreement on Jerusalem.” The Permanent Observer of Palestine thanked those who had supported the draft on Jerusalem, adding that the resolution was a step in the right direction.

In addition to resuming talks with Syria and Lebanon, and respecting commitments and undertakings reached during the previous talks, the Assembly also, once again, demanded Israel’s complete withdrawal from the occupied Syrian Golan to the 4 June 1967 line. This resolution was passed by a vote of 107 in favour to just 6 against.

The full resolution can be read at:

General Assembly
GA/10543