UN general Assembly Backs Resolution Aiming for Palestinian State Recognition
The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly approved a resolution,dubbed the “New York Declaration,” with 142 votes in favor,10 against,and 12 abstentions. The declaration seeks to revitalize the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and pave the way for the recognition of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state.
The resolution,stemming from an international conference organized by Saudi Arabia and France at the UN in July,explicitly condemns the October 7th Hamas attacks on israeli civilians and demands the immediate release of all hostages held in Gaza. It calls for “tangible steps, with a determined and irreversible timeline” towards a two-state solution.
A key component of the declaration focuses on the future of Gaza, stating that Hamas should cease exercising authority in the territory and transfer its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, with the support of the international community. This transfer is envisioned as a step towards establishing a viable Palestinian state.
The vote is being viewed by analysts as a means of increasing pressure on Israel to end the ongoing war in Gaza. The “New York Declaration” also reiterates the call for an end to the conflict and a “fair, peaceful and lasting solution” based on the genuine implementation of the two-state solution – a long-held position of the UN Assembly.
French President Emmanuel Macron hailed the vote as marking “an irreversible path toward peace,” and indicated the declaration will serve as the foundation for a meeting co-hosted by Paris and Riyadh on September 22nd at the UN in New York, where he previously pledged to recognize a palestinian state.
Though, the resolution faces strong opposition. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu firmly stated, “There will be no Palestinian state,” and the United States has prevented Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas from traveling to New York. Israel has labeled the declaration “shameful,” arguing it emboldens Hamas.
