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United Nations General Assembly Resolution ES-10/19
General Assembly Resolution A/RES/ES-10/19: Protecting the Holy City of Jerusalem
On December 21, 2017, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution (A/RES/ES-10/19) that declared any measures or actions aimed at changing the character, status, or demographic composition of the Holy City of Jerusalem would have no legal effect. The resolution was prepared by Yemen and Turkey in response to the United States' recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
The status of East Jerusalem, particularly its holy sites, remains a highly contentious issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Following the Arab-Israeli War (1947-1949), Jerusalem was divided between Israel (western part) and Transjordan (eastern part). On December 13, 1948, the city's division became permanent.
In response to President Donald Trump's announcement on December 6, 2017, that he would recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a draft resolution calling for his declaration to be withdrawn was put before the General Assembly. The resolution was adopted by 128 votes to 9, with 35 abstentions and 21 absent.
The United States' recognition of Jerusalem as its capital sparked widespread protests globally. In contrast, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan condemned the move, calling it "anti-democratic" and an "aggression." Turkish Ambassador to the UN, Fatma Murad, also warned that any country voting against the US would be reported back on.
The resolution emphasizes the need for international support in protecting Jerusalem's unique spiritual, religious, and cultural heritage. It affirms that any attempt to alter the city's character or status will have no legal effect and must be withdrawn according to relevant UN resolutions.
Furthermore, the General Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East, without delay. The resolution also acknowledges the Palestinian right to their own state based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The resolution was adopted by Yemen and Turkey, which had drafted it in response to the US move. Other countries that supported the resolution include many Arab states, including Iran, which condemned the US actions as "anti-democratic" and an "aggression."