Second Committee Approves Resolution on Sovereignty of Palestinians Over Their Natural Resources – Press Release (GA/EF/3526) (Excerpts)

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The Second Committee (Economic and Financial) today introduced 26 draft resolutions and approved six, two by recorded vote, including one demanding that Israel end its occupation of the Palestinian Territory and the Syrian Golan.

The draft, titled “Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources” (document A/C.2/74/L.45) further called on Israel to cease destruction of vital infrastructure and demolition of Palestinian homes.  It also stressed that reconstruction and development projects must be advanced, including in the Gaza Strip.

The Committee then approved the draft resolution by a recorded vote of 156 in favour to 6 against (Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, United States), with 14 abstentions.

The observer for the State of Palestine, speaking on behalf of the “Group of 77” developing countries and China, affirmed the right to claim restitution for damages and called on Israel to comply with obligations under international law.  Speaking in her national capacity, she stressed, “Thieves and killers must be brought to justice,” calling for Israel to be held accountable.

Speaking before the vote, the representative of Israel stated the resolution does not belong in that Committee, stressing that it makes no reference to terror organization Hamas controlling Gaza, which over the past three days has launched 360 rockets into her country targeting civilians, and 10,000 rockets thus far in 2019.  She called on all Member States to vote no.

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Action on Draft Resolutions

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The observer for the State of Palestine, speaking again on behalf of the Group of 77, introduced the draft titled “Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources” (document A/C.2/74/L.45).  She referred to extensive destruction of land and vital infrastructure including water pipelines and sewage, with Israeli settlements harming natural resources.  She affirmed the right to claim restitution for that damage and called on Israel to comply with obligations under international law.

Speaking in explanation of vote before the vote, the representative of Finland, speaking on behalf of the European Union, noted that while the bloc supports the resolution, he recorded that the use of the term “Palestine” cannot be construed as recognition of a State of Palestine.

Also speaking in explanation of vote before the vote, the representative of Israel stated the resolution does not belong in this forum, as it is intended simply to harm that State.  The resolution does not mention that the terror organization Hamas controls Gaza, misusing resources and funding terrorism against Israel, having launched 360 rockets into the country over the past three days targeting civilians, and firing 10,000 rockets thus far in 2019.  She called on all Member States to vote no on the draft text.

The Committee then approved the draft (document A/C.2/74/L.45) by a recorded vote of 156 in favour to 6 against (Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, United States), with 14 abstentions.

The observer for the State of Palestine, speaking in her national capacity, stated that the resolution supports a claim for restitution for damages caused by Israel.  The draft calls on Israel to comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law and refrain from further damage to resources and vital infrastructure, or from using the Occupied Palestinian Territory as a dumping ground.  Noting there is no sustainable development without peace and security, she said the resolution reaffirms the establishment of Israeli settlements is null and void.  “Thieves and killers must be brought to justice,” she said, calling for Israel to be held accountable and for the international community to consider sanctions against Israeli products.