Cyprus was one 124 countries which voted in favour of a UN resolution demanding Israel end “its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory” within 12 months.
In a statement on Thursday, Palestine’s ambassador to Cyprus Abdallah Attari welcomed Cyprus’ stance.
“We express our heartfelt thanks to the friendly government and the friendly people of the Republic of Cyprus and we hope that this resolution will be a harbinger for the end of all occupation throughout the world with joint struggles and mutual solidarity.”
On Wednesday the United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to adopt a resolution that demands that Israel “brings to an end without delay its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.”
The resolution received 124 votes in favour, while 43 countries abstained. Israel, the United States and 12 others voted no.
The UK was one of the countries that abstained.
The resolution welcomes a July advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice that said Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories and settlements is illegal and should be withdrawn.
The General Assembly resolution also calls on states to “take steps towards ceasing the importation of any products originating in the Israeli settlements, as well as the provision or transfer of arms, munitions and related equipment to Israel … where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that they may be used in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.”
Attari said he welcomed the “historic resolution”.
“We welcome the positive vote and support for the resolution from the vast majority of countries in the world, including the Republic of Cyprus.”
