December 11, 2023
SHANGHAI – The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is set to reconvene an emergency special session to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as announced by the UNGA President’s press office. According to TASS and Russia Satellite News Agency reports on December 11, the session is scheduled to resume on December 12.
Background of the Emergency Special Session
The UNGA’s decision to hold this session comes in response to requests from Egypt and Mauritania, who represent the Arab Group and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation within the UN. The UNGA’s Tenth Emergency Special Session, which was first convened in 1997, has historically addressed critical issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The session was initially held to discuss illegal Israeli actions in occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the occupied Palestinian territories.
Legal Framework for the Special Session
The decision to reconvene the session is grounded in Resolution 377 (V) of 1950, which allows the UNGA to intervene when the UN Security Council (UNSC) fails to fulfill its primary responsibility to maintain international peace and security due to the分歧 among its permanent members. The resolution stipulates that when there is a threat to peace, a breach of peace, or an act of aggression, the UNGA should immediately consider the issue to make necessary recommendations to UN member states, including the use of armed force, if necessary, to maintain or restore international peace and security. An emergency special session can be convened at the request of the UNSC or by a majority of UN member states.
Recent Developments
The last session of the Tenth Emergency Special Session was held at the end of October. During this meeting, a resolution draft titled Protection of Civilians and Compliance with Legal and Humanitarian Obligations was adopted. The draft, submitted by Jordan on behalf of the Arab Group, condemned all violence against civilians in both Palestine and Israel and called for an immediate and sustained humanitarian ceasefire to promote a cessation of hostilities. The resolution received 120 votes in favor, 14 against, and 45 abstentions.
Objectives of the Upcoming Session
The upcoming session aims to build upon the outcomes of the previous meeting and address the ongoing tensions in the region. The reconvening of the session underscores the urgency of the situation and the international community’s commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
International Response
The decision to resume the emergency special session has drawn mixed reactions from the international community. While some nations view it as a crucial step towards peace, others are skeptical about its effectiveness. The session is expected to feature discussions and debates that reflect the diverse perspectives of member states.
Conclusion
The reconvening of the UNGA’s Tenth Emergency Special Session on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict represents a significant moment for the international community. It serves as a platform for member states to address the ongoing crisis and work towards a sustainable solution. As the world watches, the session will likely shed light on the complexities of the conflict and the challenges faced in achieving lasting peace in the region.
Special Note: The content of this article is based on information provided by the Phoenix News website and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the author or the publication.
Views: 0