The United Nations General Assembly is expected to vote next week on a Palestinian-backed resolution calling for Israel to end its "unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory" within six months. The draft, prepared by the Palestinian Authority and reviewed by Reuters, aligns with a July advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which deemed Israel’s occupation and settlement activities in Palestinian territories illegal. While the ICJ urged for a withdrawal "as rapidly as possible," the draft resolution specifies a six-month deadline.

The Arab Group, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Non-Aligned Movement requested the vote for September 18, just before global leaders arrive in New York for the annual UN General Assembly. The language of the eight-page document may be revised before the vote.

Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon condemned the draft, urging the General Assembly to reject it and instead pass a resolution denouncing Hamas and demanding the release of hostages.

Although the ICJ's advisory opinions are not legally binding, they carry significant influence under international law. Similarly, a General Assembly resolution, while also non-binding, holds substantial political weight.

Israel took control of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem during the 1967 Middle East war, areas that the Palestinians claim for a future state. Since then, Israel has expanded settlements in the West Bank.

The ongoing war in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, after a Hamas attack killed around 1,200 Israelis and saw the abduction of about 250 hostages, has led to a devastating humanitarian crisis. Israeli military operations have displaced nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, with over 40,000 Palestinians reported dead, according to local health authorities.

On October 27, the General Assembly called for a humanitarian truce, followed by a demand for an immediate ceasefire in December.