The resolution stipulates that those responsible for implementing the policy of Jewish settlement of these areas will be liable to be tried by an international court. The resolution will not be binding, however, until it is ratified by the legislatures of at least 60 countries - a process which could take several years. Arutz-7 correspondent Haggai Huberman reports that the passage of the resolution was a success on the part of Yasser Arafat, who has been active for a number of months on its behalf. Another initiative by Arafat is to have the areas of Judea and Samaria recognized by the international community as conquered territories.
At present, the official status of these areas remains undefined, as the previous ruling country there - Jordan - was recognized as sovereign there by only two countries, Great Britain and Pakistan. If the areas now receive the status of "conquered by Israel," this will give greater legal validity to Arafat's declaration of statehood over the entirety of Judea and Samaria [except for those areas annexed by Israel] next May. (Arutz 7 July 19) [Note that Canada was a leading supporter of the resolution. - ed.]