December 22, 2017
The United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to condemn the United States' decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, with 128 countries voting in favor of the resolution.
New York City, United States | United Nations
On December 22, 2017, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) held a significant vote concerning the status of Jerusalem, following a controversial decision by the United States. This event was a pivotal moment in international diplomacy and Middle Eastern geopolitics.
The city of Jerusalem holds profound religious and historical significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Its status has been one of the most contentious issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Historically, the international community, including the United Nations, has maintained that Jerusalem’s final status should be determined through negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.
On December 6, 2017, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. This decision marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy and was met with widespread international criticism and concern over its potential impact on peace efforts in the region.
In response to the U.S. decision, Turkey and Yemen requested an emergency session of the UN General Assembly. The session aimed to address the unilateral recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and to reaffirm the international community’s stance on the city’s status.
On December 22, 2017, the UNGA voted on a resolution that declared any decisions altering the status of Jerusalem as “null and void” and called for all countries to refrain from establishing diplomatic missions in the city. The resolution was non-binding but carried symbolic weight.
The overwhelming support for the resolution highlighted the global opposition to the U.S. decision and underscored the isolation of the United States and Israel on this issue.
The vote demonstrated the international community’s commitment to a negotiated settlement for Jerusalem and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It also illustrated the diplomatic challenges faced by the United States following its policy shift.
The resolution, while non-binding, reaffirmed the UN’s long-standing position on Jerusalem and emphasized the importance of adhering to international law and previous UN resolutions regarding the city’s status.
The event further strained U.S. relations with several countries and international organizations, while also impacting the dynamics of Middle Eastern diplomacy. It underscored the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the sensitivity surrounding Jerusalem’s status.
In summary, the UNGA vote on December 22, 2017, was a significant moment in international diplomacy, reflecting widespread disapproval of the U.S. decision and reinforcing the global consensus on the need for a negotiated resolution to the status of Jerusalem.
Source: www.un.org