UNGA Second Committee Approves Text of Draft Resolution: Permanent Sovereignty Over Natural Resources in OPT and Golan – Press Release (Excerpts)

SEVENTY-THIRD SESSION, 23RD MEETING (AM)
GA/EF/3508
8 NOVEMBER 2018

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The Second Committee (Economic and Financial) today introduced 31 draft resolutions and approved five of them, including one calling on Israel to cease its occupation of the Palestinian Territory and Syrian Golan.

The text, “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”, further stated that the 51-year occupation by Israel has caused multi-layered harm to those populations, with the funding crisis affecting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) further exacerbating the situation.

The Committee approved the text (document A/C.2/73/L.37) in a recorded vote of 149 in favour and six against (Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, United States), with 12 abstentions.

Addressing that text, the representative of Israel said it is the opposite of what a United Nations resolution should be — “a political agenda in search of a document number”.  The observer of the State of Palestine called the approved draft a resounding affirmation of the rights of those affected, urging the international community to act collectively to end the brutal occupation.  The representative of Syria stated the Palestinian issue goes beyond development, becoming an issue of principle and legality.

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The representative of Egypt (on behalf of the Group of 77) introduced the resolution “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.2/73/L.37), stating the 51-year Israeli occupation has had a detrimental effect on the people of Palestine and Syria.  The harm is multi-layered, and the funding crisis of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) only exacerbates the condition of the Palestinian people.  Israel’s actions are a grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention and may constitute collective punishment.

Acting on the draft, the Committee approved it in a recorded vote of 149 in favour and six against (Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, United States), with 12 abstentions.

Speaking before the vote, the representative of Saudi Arabia said the resolution shines a light on the actions of the occupying nation, Israel, and called for the resolution to be adopted by consensus to end the suffering of the Palestinian people.  Israel has gone far beyond the pale, occupying and settling the territories, and it is time to establish an independent Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital.  His Government rejects actions by Israel that do not respect international norms.

The representative of Israel said the content of the draft resolution has little to do with reality or development, which is the primary interest of the Committee.  The data is highly selective and does not hide its anti-Israel bias.  It is the opposite of what a United Nations resolution should be.  Denouncing Hamas as a hate-filled organization, she called them a murderous gang ruling over millions in Gaza, with no connection drawn between its reign of terror and the condition of the people under its rule.  She stated the resolution is a political agenda in search of a document number.

The representative of Austria, speaking on behalf of the European Union, noted previous support for the resolution, but said the use of term “Palestine” cannot be construed as recognition of a State.

The observer of the State of Palestine expressed gratitude for those Member States who voted for the resolution.  The approval is a resounding affirmation of the rights of the 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.  Noting that the extensive destruction of the occupying power Israel caused grave environmental and economic harm, she said its adherence to international law is an absolute imperative and can only support sustainable development.  Only international action can change the situation on the ground, and after 51 years of brutal occupation, the international community must act collectively to end it.

The representative of Syria said the situation should not be debated depending on the view of one State or another.  She noted the Palestinian issue goes beyond development and is one of principle and legality.

For information media. Not an official record.