UN Vote: Morocco and UAE Abstention on Palestinian and Syrian Resource Sovereignty Draws Sharp Criticism
During the November 11 UN vote on Palestinian and Syrian sovereignty over their natural resources adopted by 151 votes including Algeria the abstention of Morocco and the United Arab Emirates drew sharp criticism over their diplomatic alignment with Israel.
Adopted by an overwhelming majority at the UN General Assembly’s Second Committee, a resolution affirming the rights of occupied populations over their natural wealth has highlighted sharp diplomatic divides, with Rabat and Abu Dhabi facing strong backlash for choosing to abstain.
The November 11 vote in the Second Committee (Economic and Financial) of the United Nations General Assembly has sparked intense political commentary following the adoption of a resolution affirming the permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and of the Arab population of the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources. The text passed with 151 votes in favor, including Algeria, underscoring Algiers' consistent diplomatic stance in support of occupied peoples.
Conversely, seven countries voted against the resolution, led by the United States and Israel alongside several Pacific island nations and Latin American states (such as Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, and Paraguay). Eleven delegations chose to abstain, notably including Morocco and the United Arab Emirates.
The abstention by Rabat and Abu Dhabi has drawn fierce criticism from political observers and commentators, who characterize the move as a clear diplomatic alignment with Israel and a departure from stated commitments to the Palestinian cause. Critics highlighted what they view as a contradiction between this vote and the Moroccan monarchy's chairmanship of the Al-Quds Committee, as well as the UAE's expanding economic and security ties with Israel across the region.
Grounded in the July 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the illegality of Israel's continued presence in the occupied territories, the resolution demands that Israel, as the "occupying power," immediately cease all exploitation, pillaging, depletion, or endangerment of natural resources including land, water, and hydrocarbons. It further reaffirms the Palestinian people's right to claim reparations and compensation for damages caused by settlements and the separation wall.
Wissem Chergui
