Terese Cristiansson: Clearly there is a time limit for patience with Israel’s occupations
The UN General Assembly formally demands that Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories end within 12 months. This is stated in a resolution that the general assembly adopted on Wednesday.
TV4 Nyhetern’s Middle East correspondent Terese Cristiansson writes that it is clear that there is a time limit for patience with Israel’s occupations.
The UN General Assembly makes condemnations from time to time – how is this different?
This is the first time since the 80s that the UN is so strong against Israel – that they call for sanctions. This means that you must boycott goods from the occupied territories and that you must stop selling weapons to Israel that can be used in the occupied territories.
The fact that they also demand that you leave the illegally occupied areas within a year is extremely strong. It is clear that there is a time limit to the patience with Israel’s occupations.
Is this resolution binding?
It is not binding, but on the other hand it is highly symbolic when the UN makes this type of decision. Israel probably won’t change its stance because of this, but it might make other countries rethink their relationship with Israel.
Could this affect Sweden’s relationship with Israel?
Sweden has chosen to abstain from voting in this resolution. But at the same time, it has been voted through. Therefore, Sweden must relate to what has been said. Sweden, like many other countries, will have to review its relations with Israel – not least in terms of trade.