UN Vote: 151 Countries Back Palestinian Rights Over Natural Resources

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A United Nations General Assembly committee has adopted a resolution reaffirming the rights of Palestinians and the Arab population of the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources, marking another significant expression of international support for their sovereignty and economic rights.

The resolution was approved on Wednesday by the General Assembly’s Second Committee, which handles economic and financial affairs. According to the Palestinian news agency WAFA, the initiative was submitted by the Group of 77 and China and received 151 votes in favor.

All European Union member states, along with Canada, supported the resolution. Seven countries opposed it: the United States, Israel, Colombia, Paraguay, Palau, Nauru and Micronesia. Eleven other countries abstained.

A Strong Majority Despite Limited Practical Impact

The latest vote reflects broad international backing for Palestinian claims over natural resources, although the resolution does not carry legally binding force.

The outcome is particularly notable when compared with the previous year's vote, when the same resolution secured 152 votes in favor, eight against and 12 abstentions.

The text calls on Israel to end the exploitation of natural resources in the occupied territories and recognizes the Palestinian people's right to seek compensation for resources that have been exploited.

It also highlights the environmental consequences of Israeli policies and activities, including settlement construction and the separation wall, which the resolution identifies as contributing to environmental damage in Palestinian territories.

International Law at the Center of the Resolution

The document emphasizes the applicability of international legal protections to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.

In particular, it refers to the Fourth Geneva Convention, which establishes protections for civilians during armed conflicts, as well as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

The resolution also draws on two important advisory opinions issued by the International Court of Justice. These include the court's July 19, 2024 opinion concerning the legal consequences of Israel's policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territory, and its 2004 opinion addressing the construction of the separation wall in the occupied West Bank.

Furthermore, the text reiterates the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which calls on countries to distinguish between the territory of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967.

Palestinian Diplomatic Representation Welcomes the Outcome

Riyad Mansour, the State of Palestine's permanent observer to the United Nations, welcomed the committee's decision, describing the overwhelming support as another confirmation of international recognition of Palestinian rights.

He particularly emphasized the importance of recognizing Palestinians' sovereign rights over their natural resources and expressed appreciation to the countries that supported the resolution.

Following its adoption by the Second Committee, the resolution is expected to be submitted to the full 193-member General Assembly for formal consideration in December.

Although the upcoming decision is unlikely to produce immediate changes on the ground, the latest vote reinforces the diplomatic and legal arguments surrounding Palestinian rights, resource exploitation and the status of the occupied territories.