New York, NY, May 7, 2004 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today condemned the passage of a U.N. General Assembly resolution purporting to determine the legal status of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.  The resolution, passed by a vote of 140 in favor, six against and 11 abstentions, declared "the status of the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, remains one of military occupation," and reaffirmed Palestinian rights of sovereignty and self determination over the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
 
"Once again, the United Nations has passed a one-sided resolution seeking to predetermine final status issues to the benefit of only one party to the conflict," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.  "Issues such as final borders can only be resolved fairly through Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. Despite reports that an even harsher resolution was revised, this resolution serves no positive purpose and undermines efforts to move towards peace for Israelis and Palestinians."

The resolution stands against a recent statement by the Quartet, that no party should take unilateral actions that seek to predetermine issues that can only be resolved through negotiation and agreement between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.