Gaza Strip - September 18, 2024

The resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday demanding an end to Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory within the next 12 months has sparked mixed reactions among Palestinians as some say that it brings hope to the Gazans who are suffering under the ravages of war while some others remain concerned about whether the resolution will be truly implemented and whether their rights will be genuinely protected.

By the newly adopted resolution, the UNGA "demands that Israel brings to an end without delay its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which constitutes a wrongful act of a continuing character entailing its international responsibility and do so no later than 12 months from the adoption of the present resolution."

Some voiced hope for the resolution to be implemented and to bring an end to the long suffering for the Palestinians.

Others remain concern and stay skeptical towards the resolution as they think that Israel would not abide by it and the resolution would not being tangible outcomes for them.

Shotlist:
Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip - Sept 18, 2024:
1. Traffic, pedestrians;
2. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Medhat Helles, displaced Palestinian (partially overlaid with shot 3):
"We hope the resolution can be implemented, and that this session of the United Nations General Assembly will genuinely enforce outcomes that benefit the Palestinian people, ensuring the realization of the fair rights of our long-suffering people. We have endured too much hardship during this war, which has lasted nearly a year. As oppressed Palestinians, we long for the world to stand with us. However, up to this point, we have not felt any progress that could change the situation. We are experiencing a dire and painful situation that no one in the world has faced since World War II.";
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
3. Traffic, pedestrians;
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
4. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Ibrahim Salem, local:
"The United Nations General Assembly has passed hundreds of resolutions, but many have been ignored, left unimplemented, and received no attention. We do not want this to be yet another resolution without any tangible outcome.";
5. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Kamal Abu Ubadah, local:
"What kind of resolution passed by the United Nations can Israel abide by? Israel will not make any commitment, and for the Palestinian people, there will be no solution that truly matches the suffering they have endured.";
6. Traffic, pedestrians;
7. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Sami Abu Salem, political analyst:
"I believe this resolution will not bring any tangible outcomes for the Palestinian people in Gaza. The expectations of the people in Gaza regarding the resolution hold no real significance, just as it won't end the war, allow them to return home, stop the killing, or halt the bloodshed. None of those is going to happen. Why? Because of the presence of the United States. In the last three instances, the U.S. has used its veto power to diplomatically protect Israel. Its use of the veto has not only been for military reasons but also to block humanitarian ceasefire plans. As long as the United States is involved, the Palestinian people will not gain any benefits.";
Central Gaza Strip - Sept 17, 2024
7. Rubble, debris left by Israeli military operation.

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