EU’s top diplomat praises 'great significance' of UN resolution

Josep Borrell expressed his views in a statement following the UN General Assembly’s adoption of a resolution demanding that Israel end "its unlawful presence in the occupied Palestinian territory" within 12 months.

Borrell stated, "The UN General Assembly has forcefully reaffirmed its commitment to the realization of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including its right to an independent and sovereign state, living side by side in peace and security with Israel, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly."

He continued, "In line with its longstanding common position and UN Security Council Resolutions, I reiterate the call for a lasting and sustainable peace, and reaffirm that the EU will not recognize changes to the 1967 borders, nor Israeli sovereignty over the territories occupied since 1967, unless agreed by the parties."

The resolution, proposed by Palestine, was passed with 124 votes in favour, 43 abstentions, and 14 no votes, including from Israel, the US, Argentina, Czechia, Hungary, Paraguay and several island states.