{"id":168246,"date":"2018-11-16T18:59:19","date_gmt":"2018-11-16T18:59:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/?post_type=document&#038;p=168246"},"modified":"2021-11-11T13:33:59","modified_gmt":"2021-11-11T18:33:59","slug":"fourth-committee-approves-nine-drafts-on-israeli-palestinian-questions-press-release-excerpts","status":"publish","type":"document","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/fourth-committee-approves-nine-drafts-on-israeli-palestinian-questions-press-release-excerpts\/","title":{"rendered":"Fourth Committee Approves Nine Drafts on Israeli-Palestinian Questions &#8211; Press Release (Excerpts)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: right\"><strong><span class=\"meeting-session\">SEVENTY-THIRD SESSION,<\/span>\u00a0<span class=\"meeting-information\">28TH MEETING (AM)<br \/>\nGA\/SPD\/688<br \/>\n16 NOVEMBER 2018<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.un.org\/press\/fr\/2018\/cpsd688.doc.htm\">fran\u00e7ais<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Concluding its work for the main part of its seventy-third session today, the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) approved 12\u00a0draft texts, of which 9\u00a0relate to Israeli practices in the occupied Arab territories and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).<\/p>\n<p>By a recorded vote of 158\u00a0in favour to 5\u00a0against (Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, United States), with 7\u00a0abstentions (Australia, Cameroon, C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, Guatemala, Palau, Rwanda, Solomon Islands), the Committee approved a draft resolution titled \u201cOperations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East\u201d (document <a href=\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/ga-draft-resolution-on-operations-of-the-united-nations-relief-and-works-agency-for-palestine-refugees-in-the-near-east-fourth-committee-ac-473l-16\/\">A\/C.4\/73\/L.16<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>That text has the General Assembly expressing deep concern about the Agency\u2019s critical financial situation, caused by structural underfunding as well as rising needs and expenditures resulting from the deteriorating socioeconomic and humanitarian conditions.\u00a0 The Assembly also expresses grave concern about attempts to discredit the Agency despite its proven operational capacity, record of effective provision of humanitarian and development assistance, and consistent implementation of its mandate, even under the most difficult circumstances.<\/p>\n<p>By other terms of that text, the Assembly expresses deep appreciation to all donor countries and organizations that have sustained, accelerated or increased their contributions, helping to alleviate the Agency\u2019s unprecedented 2018 financial crisis.\u00a0 The Assembly also urges the Government of Israel to expeditiously reimburse the Agency for all transit charges incurred and other financial losses sustained as a result of the delays and restrictions on movement and access imposed by that country.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\/&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>The Committee also took up a draft resolution titled \u201cWork of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories\u201d (document A\/C.4\/73\/L.18), approving it by a recorded vote of 77\u00a0in favour to 8\u00a0against (Australia, Canada, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, United States), with 79\u00a0abstentions.<\/p>\n<p>By that text, the General Assembly demands that Israel cooperate, in accordance with its obligations as a State Member of the United Nations, with the Special Committee in implementation of its mandate. \u00a0It further requests that the Special Committee continue investigating Israeli policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, especially violations of the Geneva Convention, as well as the treatment and status of thousands of prisoners and detainees \u2014 including children, women and elected representatives \u2014 in Israeli prisons and detention centres within the Occupied Palestinian Territory.<\/p>\n<p>Also by recorded vote, the Committee approved a draft resolution titled \u201cAssistance to Palestine refugees\u201d (document <a href=\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/ga-draft-resolution-on-assistance-to-palestine-refugees-fourth-committee-ac-473l-14\/\">A\/C.4\/73\/L.14<\/a>), by a recorded 161\u00a0votes in favour to 2\u00a0against (Israel, United States), with 8\u00a0abstentions (Cameroon, Canada, C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, Guatemala, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Solomon Islands).<\/p>\n<p>By that text, the General Assembly expresses concern about the Agency\u2019s severe financial crisis and its negative implications for continued delivery of its core programmes.\u00a0 Also expressing grave concern at the difficult situation of Palestine refugees under occupation, in particular those in the Gaza Strip, it underlines the importance of assistance and urgent reconstruction efforts.\u00a0 It calls upon all donors to continue strengthening their efforts to meet the Agency\u2019s anticipated needs, including for recent emergency, recovery and reconstruction appeals, plans for the Gaza Strip and regional crisis-response plans to address the situation of Palestine refugees in Syria.<\/p>\n<p>The Committee went on to approve \u2014 by a recorded vote of 155\u00a0in favour to 5\u00a0against (Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, United States), with 10\u00a0abstentions (Australia, Cameroon, C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Palau, Rwanda, Solomon Islands, Togo), a draft resolution titled \u201cPersons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities\u201d (document A\/C.4\/73\/L.15).<\/p>\n<p>By its terms, the General Assembly reaffirms the right of all persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities to return to their homes or former places of residence.\u00a0 It further stresses the need for the accelerated return of those displaced, strongly appealing to all Governments, organizations and individuals to contribute generously to the Agency and others in that regard.<\/p>\n<p>The Committee also approved a draft resolution titled \u201cPalestine refugees\u2019 properties and their revenues\u201d (document <a href=\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/ga-draft-resolution-on-palestine-refugees-properties-and-their-revenues-fourth-committee-ac-473l-17\/\">A\/C.4\/73\/L.17<\/a>) by a recorded vote of 155\u00a0in favour to 5\u00a0against (Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, United States), with 10\u00a0abstentions (Australia, Cameroon, C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Palau, Rwanda, Solomon Islands, Togo).<\/p>\n<p>By that text, the General Assembly requests that the Secretary-General take all appropriate steps to protect Arab property, assets and property rights in Israel.\u00a0 Further, it calls upon Israel to render all facilities and assistance to the Secretary-General in implementation of the draft resolution, and upon all parties concerned to provide the Secretary-General with any pertinent information concerning such property inside Israel.\u00a0 Moreover, the Assembly urges the Palestinian and Israeli sides, as agreed between them, to deal with the important issue of Palestine refugees\u2019 properties and revenues within the framework of final-status peace negotiations.<\/p>\n<p>The Committee went on to approve \u2014 by a recorded vote of 154\u00a0in favour to 5\u00a0against (Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, United States), with 8\u00a0abstentions (Australia, Cameroon, C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, Guatemala, Palau, Rwanda, Solomon Islands, Togo) \u2014 a draft resolution titled \u201cApplicability of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the other occupied Arab territories\u201d (document <a href=\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/ga-draft-resolution-on-applicability-of-the-geneva-convention-relative-to-the-protection-of-civilian-persons-in-time-of-war-of-12-august-1949-to-the-occupied-palestinian-territory-including-east-j\/\">A\/C.4\/73\/L.19<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>By the terms of that text, the General Assembly demands that Israel accept the de jure applicability of the Convention in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and other Arab territories it has occupied since 1967, and that it comply scrupulously with the provisions of the Convention.\u00a0 The Assembly also calls upon all High Contracting Parties to the Convention to continue to exert all efforts to ensure Israel\u2019s respect for its provisions in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.<\/p>\n<p>The Committee then approved the draft titled \u201cIsraeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan\u201d (document <a href=\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/ga-draft-resolution-on-israeli-settlements-in-the-occupied-palestinian-territory-including-east-jerusalem-and-the-occupied-syrian-golan-fourth-committee-ac-473l-20\/\">A\/C.4\/73\/L.20<\/a>) by a recorded 153\u00a0votes in favour to 5\u00a0against (Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, United States), with 10\u00a0abstentions (Australia, Cameroon, C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, Guatemala, Honduras, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Solomon Islands, Togo).<\/p>\n<p>By its terms, the General Assembly condemns acts of violence, destruction, harassment, provocation and incitement by Israeli settlers in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.\u00a0 It also calls upon Israel to accept the de jure applicability of the Geneva Convention and comply with all its obligations. \u00a0By further terms, the Assembly calls for accountability for the illegal actions perpetrated by Israeli settlers in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.<\/p>\n<p>Taking up the draft \u201cIsraeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem\u201d (document <a href=\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/ga-draft-resolution-on-israeli-practices-affecting-the-human-rights-of-the-palestinian-people-in-the-occupied-palestinian-territory-including-east-jerusalem-fourth-committee-ac-473l-21\/\">A\/C.4\/73\/L.21<\/a>), the Committee approved it by a recorded vote of 153\u00a0in favour to 6\u00a0against (Australia, Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, United States), with 9\u00a0abstentions (Cameroon, C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, Guatemala, Honduras, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Solomon Islands, Togo).<\/p>\n<p>By its terms, the General Assembly demands that Israel cease all measures contrary to international law, as well as discriminatory legislation, policies and actions in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. \u00a0It also demands that Israel comply fully with the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention and cease all its settlement activities, construction of the wall and any other measures aimed at altering the character, status and demographic composition of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.\u00a0 Further, the Assembly demands that Israel comply with its obligations under international law and cease its imposition of prolonged closures and economic and movement restrictions, including those amounting to a blockade on the Gaza Strip.<\/p>\n<p>The Committee also approved \u2013 by a recorded vote of 151\u00a0in favour to 2\u00a0against (Israel, United States), with 14\u00a0abstentions, a draft resolution titled \u201cThe occupied Syrian Golan\u201d (document A\/C.4\/73\/L.22).<\/p>\n<p>By its terms, the General Assembly calls upon Israel to desist from changing the physical character, demographic composition, institutional structure and legal status of the occupied Syrian Golan, and, in particular, to desist from establishing settlements. \u00a0It also calls upon Israel to desist from imposing Israeli citizenship and identity cards on Syrian citizens in the occupied Golan.<\/p>\n<p>\/&#8230;<\/p>\n<p><u>Action on Draft Resolutions<\/u><\/p>\n<p>The Committee first took up a series of draft resolutions\u00a0(documents A\/73\/C.4\/L.14-L.17) relating to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East\u00a0(UNRWA).<\/p>\n<p>The representative of\u00a0<u>Indonesia<\/u>\u00a0introduced the drafts, saying they reflect the severe funding shortfalls jeopardizing the Agency\u2019s operations.\u00a0 They also reflect the international community\u2019s strong support for\u00a0UNRWA\u2019s mandate, under which it serves the 5.4\u00a0million Palestine refugees registered in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, she added.\u00a0 Highlighting the Agency\u2019s delivery of vital services pending a just solution to the Middle East conflict, she said efforts to mobilize resources and ensure continuity of those essential services continue.\u00a0 Donors responded with generosity at high-level meetings, as reflected in the drafts, calling for predictable funding of\u00a0UNRWA, she recalled.\u00a0 Detailing the list of drafts and summarizing their content, she said they reaffirm the international community\u2019s support for the Agency.<\/p>\n<p>The representative of\u00a0<u>Cuba<\/u>\u00a0then introduced five drafts relating to the report of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories (documents A\/C.4\/73\/L.18-L22).\u00a0 She said they focus on well-documented violations of international law, particularly international humanitarian law, perpetrated by Israel.\u00a0 Unfortunately, the number of such violations and human rights crises increased in the period covered by the report, with Israel continuing its illegal building of settlements in the occupied West\u00a0Bank in contravention of Security Council resolution 2334\u00a0(2016) and other relevant resolutions.\u00a0 The texts under consideration address all such violations, further reiterating calls for Israel\u2019s compliance with the United Nations Charter, the Fourth\u00a0Geneva Convention and all relevant United Nations resolutions and urging measures to guarantee accountability for ongoing violations.\u00a0 She expressed hope that Member States will support the drafts and take prompt measures to end Israel\u2019s occupation.<\/p>\n<p>The Committee then moved to take action on the four\u00a0UNRWA-related drafts.<\/p>\n<p>The representative of\u00a0<u>Israel<\/u>, making a general statement, said the Special Committee and its mandate fail to address Arab aggression against his country, emphasizing that non-stop threats, violence and lack of regional stability constitute the main reasons for the failure to achieve peace.\u00a0 At the United Nations, democratic voting procedures lack the necessary checks and balances, allowing nations to bully and act in discriminatory fashion against Israel, he said, pointing out that, as a Jewish State, it is a minority in the world.\u00a0 It should be able to enjoy the same rights as the majority, he added, noting however that the whole United Nations system is subject to the interests of certain groups of nations discriminating against Israel.\u00a0 Regarding\u00a0UNRWA, he recalled the Commissioner-General\u2019s remarks concerning refugee status, noting that only in the Palestinian situation is it inherited automatically rather than on a case\u2011by\u2011case basis.\u00a0 Noting that the United Nations helps those in other refugee situations to end that status by resettling them elsewhere, he said that if that approach were applied to the Palestinian situation, millions of people would not be considered refugees.\u00a0 He went on to outline the terror exercised by Hamas against civilians in Gaza and its de facto control of the Strip, noting that that no speaker in the Committee addresses that topic.\u00a0 He emphasized that his delegation will not, therefore, join the series of anti-Israel resolutions, adding that no other country would act differently under the circumstances.<\/p>\n<p>The representative of the\u00a0<u>United States<\/u>, speaking in explanation of position, said her delegation opposes the introduction of anti-Israel draft resolutions.\u00a0 Expressing disappointment that those texts continue to single out Israel, she said they are quick to condemn its actions but say nothing about terrorist actions against Israeli civilians.\u00a0 They blame Israel for the situation in Gaza while none mentions Hamas, she added.\u00a0 The United States will vote against those one-sided draft resolutions and will be shifting from \u201cabstention\u201d to \u201cno\u201d on certain texts, she pledged.\u00a0 As for\u00a0UNRWA, she said the fundamental model and fiscal practices defining the Agency are unsustainable and called for new approaches, including bilateral support.\u00a0 Describing the text \u201cOccupied Syrian Golan\u201d as absurd, she called upon the United Nations to focus on the conflict in Syria and its impact on that territory\u2019s residents instead.\u00a0 She went on to emphasize that her delegation will no longer abstain when the Organization engages in its vote on the Golan Heights, a text sponsored by the Syrian regime responsible for grievous war crimes in the area.\u00a0 The United States will vote against that text, she vowed.<\/p>\n<p>Next, the Committee approved the draft resolution \u201cAssistance to Palestine refugees\u201d (document <a href=\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/ga-draft-resolution-on-assistance-to-palestine-refugees-fourth-committee-ac-473l-14\/\">A\/C.4\/73\/L.14<\/a>), by a recorded vote of 161\u00a0in favour to 2\u00a0against\u00a0(Israel, United States), with 8\u00a0abstentions\u00a0(Cameroon, Canada, C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, Guatemala, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Solomon Islands).<\/p>\n<p>It went on to approve \u2014 by a recorded 155\u00a0votes in favour to 5\u00a0against (Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, United States), with 10\u00a0abstentions (Australia, Cameroon, C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Palau, Rwanda, Solomon Islands, Togo) \u2014 the draft resolution \u201cPersons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities\u201d\u00a0(document A\/C.4\/73\/L.15).<\/p>\n<p>By a recorded vote of 158\u00a0in favour to 5\u00a0against (Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, United States), with 7\u00a0abstentions (Australia, Cameroon, C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, Guatemala, Palau, Rwanda, Solomon Islands), the Committee approved the draft resolution \u201cOperations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East\u201d\u00a0(document <a href=\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/ga-draft-resolution-on-operations-of-the-united-nations-relief-and-works-agency-for-palestine-refugees-in-the-near-east-fourth-committee-ac-473l-16\/\">A\/C.4\/73\/L.16<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>The Committee then approved the draft resolution \u201cPalestine refugees\u2019 properties and their revenues\u201d\u00a0(document <a href=\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/ga-draft-resolution-on-palestine-refugees-properties-and-their-revenues-fourth-committee-ac-473l-17\/\">A\/C.4\/73\/L.17<\/a>), by a recorded vote of 155\u00a0in favour to 5\u00a0against\u00a0(Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, United States), with 10\u00a0abstentions\u00a0(Australia, Cameroon, C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Palau, Rwanda, Solomon Islands, Togo).<\/p>\n<p>The representative of\u00a0<u>Switzerland<\/u>, speaking in explanation of position, said his delegation voted in favour of the drafts because UNRWA plays a key role in regional stability, adding that as a donor, Switzerland has contributed to the sustainability of the Agency\u2019s work in the region.<\/p>\n<p>The representative of\u00a0<u>Austria<\/u>, speaking in explanation of position on behalf of the European Union, pointed out that the regional bloc has not expressed a legal qualification of the term \u201cforced displacement\u201d, adding that the use of the term \u201cPalestine\u201d cannot be construed as recognition of the State of Palestine.\u00a0 Expressing concern over mounting tensions around holy sites in Jerusalem, she called upon Member States to uphold the status quo for Haram al-Sharif in accordance with previous agreements and to preserve the role of Jordan.\u00a0 The language of the draft resolution must reflect the importance of the three religions\u2019 holy sites in Jerusalem, she emphasized.<\/p>\n<p>Next, the Committee took up a series of resolutions related to the report of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories\u00a0(documents A\/C.4\/73\/L.18-L.22).<\/p>\n<p>Taking up the draft \u201cWork of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories\u201d (document A\/C.4\/73\/L.18), the Committee approved it by a recorded vote of 77\u00a0in favour to 8\u00a0against (Australia, Canada, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, United States), with 79\u00a0abstentions.<\/p>\n<p>It went on to approve \u2014 by a recorded vote of 154\u00a0in favour to 5\u00a0against (Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, United States), with 8\u00a0abstentions (Australia, Cameroon, C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, Guatemala, Palau, Rwanda, Solomon Islands, Togo) \u2014 the draft \u201cApplicability of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the other occupied Arab territories\u201d\u00a0(document A\/C.4\/73\/L.19).<\/p>\n<p>The Committee then approved the draft \u201cIsraeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan\u201d (document A\/C.4\/73\/L.20) by a recorded 153\u00a0votes in favour to 5\u00a0against (Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, United States), with 10\u00a0abstentions (Australia, Cameroon, C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, Guatemala, Honduras, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Solomon Islands, Togo).<\/p>\n<p>Taking up the draft \u201cIsraeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem\u201d (document <a href=\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/ga-draft-resolution-on-israeli-practices-affecting-the-human-rights-of-the-palestinian-people-in-the-occupied-palestinian-territory-including-east-jerusalem-fourth-committee-ac-473l-21\/\">A\/C.4\/73\/L.21<\/a>), the Committee approved it by a recorded vote of 153\u00a0in favour to 6\u00a0against (Australia, Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, United States), with 9\u00a0abstentions (Cameroon, C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, Guatemala, Honduras, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Solomon Islands, Togo).<\/p>\n<p>It then approved \u2014 by a recorded vote of 151\u00a0in favour to 2\u00a0against (Israel, United States), with 14\u00a0abstentions, the draft \u201cThe occupied Syrian Golan\u201d (document A\/C.4\/73\/L.22).<\/p>\n<p>The representative of\u00a0<u>Syria<\/u>, speaking in explanation of position, noted that the entire membership of the Special Committee, except the United States and Israel, sent an unambiguous message to Israel regarding its occupation of the Syrian Golan by voting overwhelmingly in favour of the relevant draft resolution.\u00a0 There is no time limit on the matter, regardless of the undermining efforts of Israel and the United States, he emphasized.\u00a0 Condemning Israel\u2019s attempt to conduct elections, establish settlements and coordinate with terrorists in the Golan, he said the occupation provides protection to terrorists and squanders the region\u2019s wealth through exploitation by United States oil companies working in the region, he said, describing the contrast between that country\u2019s negative vote and the overwhelming support for the draft resolution as a further demonstration that the role of the United States as a sponsor of peace in the region has ended.<\/p>\n<p>The representative of\u00a0<u>Israel<\/u>, expressing gratitude for support from the United States, said thousands were being slaughtered every day in Syria while the Government remained hooked up to the \u201cIV\u201d of Iranian support, adding that people seem to forget that reality when given a chance to slander Israel.\u00a0 While it might not be popular to vote against the drafts, Israel will not be bullied into releasing the Golan Heights, he stressed.<\/p>\n<p>The representative of\u00a0<u>Iran<\/u>\u00a0noted that by approving the draft resolutions, the Special Committee demonstrated its support for Palestine and its intention to hold the Israeli regime accountable for its actions.\u00a0 While many resolutions have been adopted since the beginning of the conflict, Israel\u2019s non-compliance, bolstered by the support of the United States, has prevented the international community from finding a resolution of the crisis, he noted, underlining that the Palestinian question must be resolved by terminating Israel\u2019s occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian State.<\/p>\n<p>The representative of\u00a0<u>Syria<\/u>, making a general statement, emphasized that the question of Israel\u2019s occupation of the Syrian Golan is not a question of whim governed by Israel, but a diplomatic and legal question.\u00a0 That country\u2019s representative was unable to understand the political legal message of today\u2019s vote, he said, pointing out that he used the expression \u201cGolan Heights\u201d as an inaccurate description of the Occupied Syrian Golan, which includes valley, rivers and other land features.\u00a0 The term \u201cheights\u201d indicates that the area must be retained for security purposes, as in the middle ages, he said, pointing out that higher ground no longer has any bearing on military security.\u00a0 Regardless, the territory is Syrian, he emphasized, warning that if Israel does not return it to Syria, it has opened the door to other options, including war.\u00a0 Furthermore, if Israel does not care for United Nations resolutions, it should exit the Organization, he added.<\/p>\n<p>\/&#8230;<\/p>\n<p><strong>For information media. Not an official record.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>SEVENTY-THIRD SESSION,\u00a028TH MEETING (AM) GA\/SPD\/688 16 NOVEMBER 2018 fran\u00e7ais Concluding its work for the main part of its seventy-third session today, the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) approved 12\u00a0draft texts, of which 9\u00a0relate to Israeli practices in the occupied Arab territories and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/fourth-committee-approves-nine-drafts-on-israeli-palestinian-questions-press-release-excerpts\/\"> [&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":172,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"template":"template-page.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"country":[],"document-category":[2433,1329],"document-source":[5618],"committee-meeting":[],"document-subject":[1945,2237,1741,1745,3689,2137],"entity":[1729],"document-language":[6542,6541],"class_list":["post-168246","document","type-document","status-publish","hentry","document-category-french-text","document-category-press-release","document-source-general-assembly-fourth-committee-special-political-and-decolonization","document-subject-assistance","document-subject-golan-heights","document-subject-human-rights-and-international-humanitarian-law","document-subject-refugees-and-displaced-persons","document-subject-right-of-return","document-subject-settlements","entity-united-nations-system","document-language-english","document-language-french"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/168246","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/document"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/172"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/168246\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=168246"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=168246"},{"taxonomy":"document-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-category?post=168246"},{"taxonomy":"document-source","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-source?post=168246"},{"taxonomy":"committee-meeting","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/committee-meeting?post=168246"},{"taxonomy":"document-subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-subject?post=168246"},{"taxonomy":"entity","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/entity?post=168246"},{"taxonomy":"document-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-language?post=168246"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}