Protection of the Palestinian civilian population

Condemnatory

Yes

Analysis

• The one-sided resolution criticizes Israel for "excessive force" against Palestinian civilians, and makes one-sided demands of Israel, without even mentioning Hamas. It fails to acknowledge or condemn the violent nature of the so-called "civilian protests," the terrorism committed under cover of the so-called protests, the fact that most of those killed were affiliated with Hamas or other Palestinian terror organizations, and the extensive harm to Israeli civilians from the so-called protests. Furthermore, an attempt by the US to include in the resolution a paragraph condemning Hamas was rejected by the General Assembly. US Ambassador Nikki Haley condemned the final vote as "a morally bankrupt judgment." Prime Minister Netanyahu criticized the vote, saying "the UN's incessant focus on Israel not only brings shame to the organization. It also draws attention away from so many other pressing issues that demand the attention of the international community."

Main Sponsors

Arab Group, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Palestine

Vote

Yes - 120, No - 8, Abstain - 45, Absent - 20

See Full Vote

Key Praise

None

Key Criticism

• "Deplores the use of any excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate force by the Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and particularly in the Gaza Strip, including the use of live ammunition against civilian protesters, including children, as well as medical personnel and journalists, and expresses its grave concern at the loss of innocent lives."
• "Demands that Israel, the occupying Power, refrain from such actions and fully abide by its legal obligations and responsibilities under the fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949."
• "Calls for the consideration of measures to guarantee the safety and protection of the Palestinian civilian population in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in the Gaza Strip."
• "Also calls for immediate steps towards ending the closure and the restrictions imposed by Israel on movement and access into and out of the Gaza Strip, including through the sustained opening of the crossing points of the Gaza Strip for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons..."
• "Requests the Secretary-General to examine the present situation and to submit a written report, as soon as possible, but not later than 60 days from the adoption of the present resolution, containing, inter alia, his proposals on ways and means for ensuring the safety, protection and well-being of the Palestinian civilian population under Israeli occupation, including, inter alia, recommendations regarding an international protection mechanism."