As a result of the Saudi and Israeli positions, “Riyadh and Washington hope a more modest defense pact could be sealed before President Joe Biden leaves the White House in January,” according to the Saudi and western sources.
Archiv: 19-04-2024 to their historic shame USA vetos full UN membership of Palestine in UNSC / Palestine goes to UNGA / history is being made / UNGA votes 143:9:25 for Palestine / case sent back to UNSC
Saudi Arabia abandons pursuit of US defence treaty over Israel stalemate
In a drive to get a wide-ranging mutual security treaty over the line earlier this year, Riyadh softened its position on Palestinian statehood, telling Washington that a public commitment from Israel to a two-state solution could be enough for the Gulf kingdom to normalise relations.
But with public anger in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East at fever pitch over Israel‘s military actions in Gaza, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has again made recognition of Israel conditional on it taking concrete steps to create a Palestinian state, two Saudi and three Western sources said.
The PLO’s patient strategy of turning to ICC paying off with arrest warrants
Three days after the war ended, on 21 January 2009, the PA filed a declaration with the ICC seeking to allow the court jurisdiction over the occupied Palestinian territories.
Under Article 12(3) of the Rome Statute – the treaty that established the ICC – non-members of the ICC can file a declaration granting the court jurisdiction to investigate crimes committed within their territory after a specified date. Ukraine has adopted this approach to address alleged Russian crimes.
After much deliberation, the ICC rejected Palestine’s declaration on the grounds that Article 12(3) of the Rome Statute only applied to “states”.
However, when Palestine was recognised as a non-member observer state at the UN following a General Assembly vote in late 2012, it opened up the possibility not only of filing a declaration with the ICC but also of attaining full membership.
UN Membership for Palestine Now
(November 15, 2024)
The period between today and January 20 offers the best opportunity for full UN membership which the State of Palestine has ever had, and it may be the last opportunity.
The State of Palestine and its friends throughout the world should try.
1988 Palestinian independence declaration: A pivotal step toward statehood
Today, 146 out of 193 UN members recognize the state of Palestine.
Iran-initiated OIC-Arab League meeting aimed at ending Palestine, Lebanon crises: Vice president
“We hope to obtain valuable achievements in the field of providing aid to the displaced and victims of the Zionist regime’s attacks and crimes. Accordingly, we will enter the third stage of the measures. Iran as well as all Muslim and Arab states aim to secure a durable ceasefire in the region,” he underscored.
At the summit, Iranian delegates will present their viewpoints on the core issues affecting Palestine and Lebanon and emphasize the urgent need to end the war in West Asia, Aref stated.
Arab League‘s Assistant Secretary-General to QNA: Arab-Islamic Summit Aims to Come Up with Unified Vision to Stop Aggression on Gaza, Lebanon
His Excellency indicated that the summit will hold Israel fully responsible for what is happening in Gaza and Lebanon, in light of its violation of international law and international humanitarian law, while stressing that just peace and affirming the two-state solution in accordance with the political initiative launched by Saudi Arabia for the international coalition to implement the two-state solution, is the best option for settling the conflict in the Middle East and ensuring security and stability for all peoples of the region and protecting them from violence and wars, especially with the international recognition of Palestine by 149 countries, and support for its right to obtain full membership in the United Nations.
this is the biggest blunder in American history. Mark my words
(December 9, 2023)
Israel steps up its battles with the United Nations
Netanyahu has issued statements essentially calling for regime change in both Lebanon and Iran, while Israel’s boosters in the United States see in its expanding wars an opportunity to “remake” the political map of the Middle East.
How Joe Biden lost his grip on Israel’s war for ‘total victory’ in Gaza
The Israeli response was yet another example of what Austin privately characterized as Netanyahu’s government “playing with house money”: taking big shots at its adversaries, knowing that the United States, as Israel’s chief ally, would throw its military and diplomatic weight behind it.
Some speculated that Biden’s new lame-duck status had further emboldened Netanyahu, who thought a possible Trump return to the White House would mean more U.S. support for Israel and less complaining. Just days before the attacks on Shukr and Haniyeh, after giving a table-thumping speech to Congress, Netanyahu had visited the former president and newly crowned Republican presidential nominee at his Florida residence.
President of the State of Palestine Abbas addresses United Nations
Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine, addressed world leaders at the UN General Assembly on Thursday, stressing that the Palestinian people will not leave their homeland – the land of their ancestors.
Abbas dismisses ‘Israeli lies’, tells world leaders entire generations being wiped out in Gaza
He also called for international protection for Palestinians in the occupied territories, stating, “we cannot fight Israel, and we don’t want to fight, we want protection,” he said, adding that the State of Palestine must assume responsibility in Gaza and exercise jurisdiction over the region, including control of border checkpoints.
“This is our proposal to you, you can accept it, amend it or change it, we are ready for all that.”
Concluding his address, Mr. Abbas said that “while we recognize the State of Israel, Israel does not recognize us”.
“We want a solution that will protect both countries – the State of Palestine and the State of Israel – so they can co-exist in peace, stability and security.”
Der UN-Gipfel 2024 und der Krieg in Nahost
Der israelische UN-Botschafter forderte den UN-Sicherheitsrat auf, Hisbollah und die iranischen Revolutionsgarden zu „Terrororganisationen“ zu erklären. Dem libanesischen Außenminister warf er vor, einer „Terrororganisation erlaubt zu haben, einen Staat innerhalb des Libanon“ gegründet zu haben. Israel werde sich verteidigen und nicht zulassen, dass „die Hisbollah libanesisches Territorium als Abschussrampe für Gewalt“ benutzt. Die US-Vertretung stellte sich hinter Israel, das sich gegen die täglichen Angriffe verteidigen müsse. Malta forderte eine Untersuchung. Die Schweiz erinnerte an Verhandlungen. Russland regte ein internationales Gesetz gegen die Nutzung von Alltagsgegenständen als Waffen an. China forderte wie auch der Iran eine Verurteilung Israels. (Quelle: press.un.org)
Eine Entscheidung gab es nicht. Am Abend des gleichen Tages (20. September 2024, Beirut Ortszeit) bombardierte die israelische Luftwaffe ein Wohnhaus im dicht bewohnten Süden von Beirut mit vier Raketen und brachte das Haus zum Einsturz. Dutzende Menschen wurden verschüttet. 15 Angehörige der Hisbollah wurden tot geborgen, darunter zwei hochrangige Kommandeure. Die Zahl der Toten stieg im Laufe der Bergungsarbeiten auf 51, darunter waren Frauen und Kinder. Zehn Personen werden noch vermisst
The White House’s Defense of Israel Is Undermining International Law
The United States tends to hail the ICC when it prosecutes American enemies, but assails the court when it goes after U.S. allies.
In response to the ICJ ruling, Stein calls for international coalition for immediate Gaza aid, ceasefire, and end to US aid for Israel
(Friday, January 26th, 2024)
The US must immediately cease all military assistance to Israel, both financial backing and weapons supplies. The US must stop providing diplomatic cover for Israel‘s genocidal war on Gaza, particularly by ending use of its veto power to block UN Security Council resolutions calling for a ceasefire that have been backed by the vast majority of nations and peoples of the world. The US must convert all military operations in the region to preparations for humanitarian assistance, in broad coalition with other nations, in order to prevent further atrocities against the Palestinian people.
The United States should immediately join together with the nations of the world, under the auspices of the United Nations, in a broad coalition to act on the Responsibility to Protect the Palestinian people from genocide.
this is the biggest blunder in American history. Mark my words
(December 9, 2023)
Israel‘s Lapid to meet top US administration officials in Washington
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid is set to meet with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan during his visit to the country on Monday, his office said in a statement.
Israel‘s drastic plan if Palestinians win at UN
(September 12, 2024)
The anti-Israel crescendo is set for Wednesday: a vote on the Palestinian resolution, widely expected to pass by a comfortable margin. With no veto power in such General Assembly votes, Israel faces an uphill battle. These moves directly follow efforts to bolster the Palestinian Authority‘s UN standing in May. Now, as a complementary step, they aim to further erode Israel‘s global standing.
Benjamin Netanyahu to attend UN General Assembly – statement
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will attend the United Nations General Assembly this month, his office said on Sunday.
UN likely to vote next week on push to end Israel presence in Palestinian territory
(September 9,2024)
The United Nations General Assembly is likely to vote next week on a Palestinian draft resolution demanding Israel end „its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory“ within six months.
The key aim of the draft resolution, written by the Palestinian Authority and seen by Reuters, is to welcome a July advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice that said Israel‘s occupation of Palestinian territories and settlements is illegal and should be withdrawn.
The Palestinian Authority‘s diplomatic war continues – editorial
Ever since then-PLO chairman Yasser Arafat, infamously carrying a pistol, spoke at the UN in 1974, the Palestinian situation has not significantly changed. In fact, as the situation in Gaza attests, it has only gotten worse – despite the PA winning vote after vote in the UN General Assembly.
If the Palestinians had spent the same energy over the past half-century building up the areas under their control in the West Bank and Gaza rather than demonizing Israel on the world stage, their situation today would be markedly different and much better.
Rules of procedure: XIV. Admission of New Members to the United Nations
Applications
Rule 134
Any State which desires to become a Member of the United Nations shall submit an application to the Secretary-General. Such application shall contain a declaration, made in a formal instrument, that the State in question accepts the obligations contained in the Charter. [See introduction, para. 8]
Notification of applications
Rule 135
The Secretary-General shall, for information, send a copy of the application to the General Assembly, or to the Members of the United Nations if the Assembly is not in session. [See introduction, para. 8]
Consideration of applications and decision thereon
Rule 136
If the Security Council recommends the applicant State for membership, the General Assembly shall consider whether the applicant is a peace-loving State and is able and willing to carry out the obligations contained in the Charter and shall decide, by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting, upon its application for membership.
Rule 137
If the Security Council does not recommend the applicant State for membership or postpones the consideration of the application, the General Assembly may, after full consideration of the special report of the Security Council, send the application back to the Council, together with a full record of the discussion in the Assembly, for further consideration and recommendation or report. [See introduction, para. 8]
Notification of decision and effective date of membership
Rule 138
The Secretary-General shall inform the applicant State of the decision of the General Assembly. If the application is approved, membership shall become effective on the date on which the General Assembly takes its decision on the application. [See introduction, para. 8]
Could the Palestinians get UNGA membership?
The May vote by the General Assembly was a global survey of support for the Palestinian bid to become a full member – a move that would effectively recognize a Palestinian state – after the United States vetoed it in the U.N. Security Council in April.
The Palestinians remain a non-member observer state as the 15-member Security Council has not acted on the General Assembly recommendation.
Palestine to seek end to ‘unlawful’ Israel occupation within 12 months at UN
Palestine’s permanent mission to the UN is expected to present a draft resolution to the UN General Assembly next week demanding Israel to end its presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories within 12 months, according to a document obtained by Anadolu on Thursday.
State of Palestine takes a seat in the UN General Assembly
This significant moment follows a decision by the General Assembly in May, where a majority of members voted in favor of granting Palestine full membership rights. This resolution came after the United States used its veto power in the Security Council to block Palestine‘s bid for full UN membership. (…)
To be granted full UN membership, a state must receive a two-thirds majority vote from the General Assembly following a positive recommendation from the Security Council.
The U.S. vetoed this recommendation on April 18, preventing Palestine from achieving full membership.
The Biggest Moments From the First Debate Between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump
Harris maintained the same stance she has previously shared regarding the war in Gaza: She condemned Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack while expressing support for a cease-fire and a two-state solution.
“Israel has a right to defend itself,” Harris said. “It is also true far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed—children, mothers. What we know is that this war must end.”
Five takeaways from Donald Trump and Kamala Harris’s US presidential debate
When asked about the war in Gaza, both candidates reached for their usual talking points.
Harris said she backs a ceasefire deal in Gaza that would see the release of Israeli captives, but she renewed her pledge to continue to arm Israel. She also voiced support for the two-state solution. (…)
For his part, Trump reiterated his position that the war in the Middle East would not have broken out if he were in office. He also accused Harris of having a bias against Israel.
LEGAL CONSEQUENCES ARISING FROM THE POLICIES AND PRACTICES OF ISRAEL IN THE OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY, INCLUDING EAST JERUSALEM
(July 19, 2024)
278. Taking note of the resolutions of the Security Council and General Assembly, the Court is of the view that Member States are under an obligation not to recognize any changes in the physical character or demographic composition, institutional structure or status of the territory occupied by Israel on 5 June 1967, including East Jerusalem, except as agreed by the parties through negotiations and to distinguish in their dealings with Israel between the territory of the State of Israel and the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967. The Court considers that the duty of distinguishing dealings with Israel between its own territory and the Occupied Palestinian Territory encompasses, inter alia, the obligation to abstain from treaty relations with Israel in all cases in which it purports to act on behalf of the Occupied Palestinian Territory or a part thereof on matters concerning the Occupied Palestinian Territory or a part of its territory; to abstain from entering into economic or trade dealings with Israel concerning the Occupied Palestinian Territory or parts thereof which may entrench its unlawful presence in the territory; to abstain, in the establishment and maintenance of diplomatic missions in Israel, from any recognition of its illegal presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory; and to take steps to prevent trade or investment relations that assist in the maintenance of the illegal situation created by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (see Legal Consequences for States of the Continued Presence of South Africa in Namibia (South West Africa) notwithstanding Security Council Resolution 276 (1970), Advisory Opinion, I.C.J. Reports 1971, pp. 55-56, paras. 122, 125-127).
(…)
281. Finally, the Court is of the view that the precise modalities to bring to an end Israel’s
unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is a matter to be dealt with by the General Assembly, which requested this opinion, as well as the Security Council. Therefore, it is for the General Assembly and the Security Council to consider what further action is required to put an end to the illegal presence of Israel, taking into account the present Advisory Opinion.
Group seeks enforcement of ICJ ruling on Israel/Palestine crisis
(September 1, 2024)
An Islamic organization, Aqsah Nigeria, has called on world leaders, especially African governments, to take decisive action in enforcing the July 19th, 2024 ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which declared Israel’s war on Palestinian territories unlawful.
The organization also urged mass mobilization and continuous public awareness to uphold this “landmark judgment” in hopes of ending the ongoing killing of women and children and the displacement of Palestinians by Israeli forces.
UN General Assembly to vote on resolution for Palestine membership
„What we‘re concerned about is the precedent it sets. It‘s clearly outlined in the UN Charter, the procedure, the process for obtaining full membership in the United Nations, and any kind of a process that goes around that, to us is very concerning,“ Robert Wood, US deputy ambassador to the UN, told reporters in New York on Tuesday.
„What they [Palestinians] should be doing is sitting down with Israel at the appropriate point,…
Rules of procedure: XIV. Admission of New Members to the United Nations
Applications
Rule 134
Any State which desires to become a Member of the United Nations shall submit an application to the Secretary-General. Such application shall contain a declaration, made in a formal instrument, that the State in question accepts the obligations contained in the Charter. [See introduction, para. 8]
Notification of applications
Rule 135
The Secretary-General shall, for information, send a copy of the application to the General Assembly, or to the Members of the United Nations if the Assembly is not in session. [See introduction, para. 8]
Consideration of applications and decision thereon
Rule 136
If the Security Council recommends the applicant State for membership, the General Assembly shall consider whether the applicant is a peace-loving State and is able and willing to carry out the obligations contained in the Charter and shall decide, by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting, upon its application for membership.
Rule 137
If the Security Council does not recommend the applicant State for membership or postpones the consideration of the application, the General Assembly may, after full consideration of the special report of the Security Council, send the application back to the Council, together with a full record of the discussion in the Assembly, for further consideration and recommendation or report. [See introduction, para. 8]
Notification of decision and effective date of membership
Rule 138
The Secretary-General shall inform the applicant State of the decision of the General Assembly. If the application is approved, membership shall become effective on the date on which the General Assembly takes its decision on the application. [See introduction, para. 8]
Palestinians seek UN General Assembly backing for full membership
(06.05.2024)
The United Nations General Assembly could vote on Friday on a draft resolution that would recognize the Palestinians as qualified to become a full U.N. member and recommend that the U.N. Security Council „reconsider the matter favorably.“
It would effectively act as a global survey of how much support the Palestinians have for their bid, which was vetoed in the U.N. Security Council last month by the United States.
Peace starts with Palestine’s UN membership
On May 10, the United Nations’ 193 member states can end the Gaza war and the longstanding suffering of the Palestinian people by voting to admit Palestine as the 194th UN member state.
Gaza is the greatest test liberalism has faced since 1945. And it is failing
Pro-Israeli lobbies have hijacked most western liberal democracies.
The whole world is now privy to the shameless pimping of western politicians previously documented in Congressman Paul Findley‘s 1985 book They Dare to Speak Out and reinforced by the 2007 book The Israel Lobby and US Foreign Policy, by political scientists John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt.
As an anonymous commentator wrote: “People think Gaza is occupied, but in reality, Gaza is free but the whole world is occupied.”
Meeting Two Weeks after United States Vetoes Security Council Resolution Recommending Full UN Membership for Palestine, General Assembly Debates Ramifications
For his part, the observer for the State of Palestine said that Israel’s occupation is descending “to deeper levels of depravity” as it tries to push Palestinians “out of geography and out of history”. It has forcibly displaced two thirds of Palestinians in Gaza all the way to Rafah at the Palestine-Egypt border and now threatens to invade that city at any moment. This “gruesome scenario” must be prevented at all costs and indiscriminate killing, wounding, siege, starvation and collective punishment must be brought to an immediate end. This methodological devastation and dismantling of the requirements for life in Gaza “is an integral part of attempts to erase a nation by destruction, displacement and death”, he said, emphasizing that there are only two paths ahead — “one that leads to shared life, and one that leads to common death”.
“The admission of the State of Palestine to the UN is an unequivocal signal that Palestinian self-determination and Statehood are not subject to the whims and will of the extremists in Israel,” he went on. Further, he questioned how those who supported Israel’s admission — while it was violating the UN Charter and fundamental UN resolutions in isolation from a just solution — can explain that Palestine’s admission, 75 years later, should be conditioned on the achievement of such a solution. “The world’s double standards are not enough to describe how absurd this logic is,” he underscored, adding: “We will take our rightful place among the community of nations, sooner or later.” This matter will be brought before the Assembly for consideration on 10 May, and he expressed hope that the Assembly will unequivocally support Palestine’s admission to the UN and called on the Security Council to reconsider Palestine’s application favourably.