The 54-member United Nations Economic and Social Council in New York has overwhelmingly adopted two resolutions in favour of Palestine.

The first resolution calls for the full opening of border crossings into the Gaza Strip, the lifting of all restrictions on the movement of the Palestinian people and the guarantee of the free movement of persons and goods throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Al-Quds; from and into the outside world.

The resolution affirms the citizens’ right to dispose of all their natural and economic resources, not to exploit, endanger or cause loss by the Israeli occupation to those resources, and calls for the cessation of all forms of settlement.

The second resolution expresses deep concern at the deaths and injuries caused to civilians, including children, women, peaceful demonstrators and journalists, stresses that they must be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law, and strongly condemns the assassination of journalist Shireen Abu Aqleh.