Endless resolutions and dispossession

Palestine can add yet another approved draft resolution to the list of UN General Assembly attempts to distort Israeli colonial appropriation into a manageable conflict with repercussions. Last Tuesday, the UNGA adopted a draft resolution that emphasises “Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources.”

Among the countries voting against the resolution were the US, Israel and Canada – the latter having attempted to redeem itself by acknowledging colonial violence against the indigenous population. However it seems that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has yet to extend his compassion to encompass the colonial atrocities committed by Israel against Palestinians.

According to Ma’an news agency, the resolution demands Israel terminate its exploitation of Palestinian natural resources, as well as recognise Palestine’s claims for restitution. The resolution was based upon a recommendation report that discussed the repercussions of exploitation, as well as the intentional damage to infrastructure through settlement expansion and military aggression, such as last year’s “Operation Protective Edge” in Gaza.

The UNGA resolution comes a few weeks after the European Union raised Israel’s ire regarding the labelling of settlement produce, despite the fact that such products will still be traded in the EU. The similarities in both cases are striking. International institutions will not refrain from utilising their platform to raise selective awareness about Israel’s oppressive policies. However, no punitive action will be taken against the colonial entity, thus rendering the resolutions as nothing other than rhetorical references which will not affect dispossession.

While the resolution has avoided the usual fragmentation of issues, seeking instead to incorporate a holistic approach, it is highly illogical to accept Israel’s existence and condemn its plunder, considering the cycle of dependence that not even Israel is immune to. Indeed, recognising Israeli dependency has been a vital component of discussions and agreements which led to further erosion of Palestinian rights and dignity. The Oslo Accords can be perceived as a perfect example of recognising Israeli dependency and providing a range of clauses that seek to transform potential weaknesses in the colonial structure, into strengths, at the expense of exploiting the Palestinian population.

A report released recently by Al Shabaka and summarised by Ma’an expounds upon the ramifications of settlement economic exploitation for Palestinians. Statistical information reveals that settlers in the West Bank use six times more water than the Palestinian population. The disproportionate allocation of land for settlement expansion should also be considered in relation to the appropriation of agricultural territory, thus ensuring Palestinians are stifled of development. Indeed, the UNGA resolution recognises the “detrimental impact of the Israeli settlements on Palestinian and other Arab natural resources, especially as a result of the confiscation of land and the forced diversion of water resources.”

While Israel may deplore the latest move by the Palestinian leadership to seek validation through the UNGA, the lack of action over illegal practices will render the resolution as yet another addition in a never-ending series. The intention is in line with Israel’s plans – to sustain the colonisation process in a manner that reaps the most rewards, rather than a blatant massacre of the Palestinian population. This is not to say that Israel has abandoned its adherence to the infamous Plan Dalet. Rather, it has perfected its efforts, seeking elimination through manipulation in order to garner perpetual acceptance from the international community.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.