New York, United States - September 17, 2024

Israel has been urged to do "the right thing, right now" and end its illegal occupation of Palestinian territories amid calls for a two-state solution to end the conflict as soon as possible at an emergency special session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday.

The UNGA on Tuesday resumed its 10th emergency special session on the issue of Israeli actions in occupied Palestinian territory. Palestine introduced a draft resolution that demands an end to the Israeli occupation of the West Bank within one year, which member states are expected to vote on later on Wednesday.

Philemon Yang, president of the UNGA 79th session, said at the meeting that in accordance with the provisions of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the United Nations, and especially the General Assembly and the Security Council, have the responsibility to consider specific ways and further actions to end Israel's illegal presence in the occupied Palestinian territory as soon as possible.

Speaking at Tuesday's session, Riyad Mansour, the permanent observer of Palestine to the UN, said that Palestinians "want to live, not survive", adding they wish to feel safe in their homes, and send their children to school without fear.

He said the ICJ's advisory opinion issued back in July which urged Israel to end its illegal occupation of Palestinian territory was a "historic" decision and said the General Assembly needs to play a role in this regard without delay.

Shotlist:
U.N. Headquarters, New York City - Sept 17, 2024:
1. Various of meeting in progress; president of 79th session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Philemon Yang at podium, attendees listening;
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Philemon Yang, president, 79th session of UNGA:
"Without prejudging the outcome of this special session, it is our collective duty, as representatives of the international community, to ensure that the principles of justice and the rule of law prevail. For without justice and the rule of law, the Israelis and Palestinians alike will not attain what they long for the most, peace and security.";
3. Various of Riyad Mansour, permanent observer of Palestine to UN, speaking at podium, attendees listening;
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Riyad Mansour, permanent observer of Palestine to UN (starting with shot 3):
"Those who claim that peace is possible in our region without a just resolution for the question of Palestine, are the ones who are not being realistic. A few voices claim this is not the right time for such action, they always find good reasons to keep doing the wrong thing, but delayed justice is denied justice. The right time to do the right thing is always right now.";
Khan Younis, Gaza Strip - Sept 10, 2024
5. Various of huge crater left by Israeli strikes;
FILE: Khan Younis, Gaza Strip - Aug 25, 2024
6. Various of destroyed buildings, debris;
Jenin, West Bank - Sept 10, 2024
7. Various of rubble, debris left by Israeli military operation, pedestrians;
8. Various of cityscape.

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