Uganda has broken its longstanding neutrality and joined 123 nations in voting for a resolution at the UN General Assembly demanding an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. The resolution, drafted by Palestine, calls for Israel to cease its unlawful presence in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip within 12 months, following an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) labeling the occupation as against international law.

The vote saw 124 countries in favor, 14 against—including regional neighbors like Rwanda and Kenya—and 43 abstentions. Notably, Palestine, as a non-member observer state, was unable to vote. The political implications of this resolution are substantial, reflecting the positions of all 193 UN member states, despite its non-binding nature.

The backdrop of the vote includes nearly a year of intense conflict in Gaza, which erupted after a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, resulting in extensive casualties on both sides. The ICJ’s advisory opinion stated that Israel’s continued presence in these territories is unlawful and urged the evacuation of settlers.

Additional report from the BBC