Sri Lanka among 151 nations backing Palestinian resource rights; US, Israel oppose

Newswire reports that Sri Lanka supported a United Nations General Assembly Second Committee resolution concerning Palestinian and Arab residents’ rights to natural resources in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan. The committee voted on November 11, 2026.

Newswire reports that the measure received 151 votes in favour, seven against and 11 abstentions. The outlet identifies the United States, Israel, Colombia, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau and Paraguay as opponents, and says Sri Lanka joined India, China and the United Kingdom in supporting it.

Newswire reports that the resolution raises concerns about the use, damage and depletion of resources, including land and water, in the occupied areas. It urges Israel to halt actions that exploit or damage Palestinian resources and affirms Palestinians’ ability to seek compensation for resulting losses.

Newswire reports that Sri Lanka has a longstanding policy of supporting Palestinian self-determination and a negotiated two-state settlement. The outlet says the resolution is non-binding, while conveying the position of UN member states, and that it will now proceed to the full General Assembly for final consideration.