United Nations Adopts Declaration Calling for Two-State Solution Between Israel and Palestine

Yesterday, Friday, the United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly approved the New York Declaration, which calls for practical and time-bound steps to achieve a two-state solution. The declaration emphasizes the necessity of ending Hamas’ rule in Gaza, handing over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, and releasing all held hostages.
The declaration, drafted by France and Saudi Arabia, received the support of 142 countries, with 10 countries opposing it, including the United States and Israel, while 12 countries abstained from voting.
Temporary International Mission to Gaza
The declaration includes support for deploying a temporary international mission in the Gaza Strip aimed at securing stability and protecting Palestinian civilians, paving the way for transferring security responsibilities to the Palestinian Authority.
Divided Positions
Israel rejected the resolution, considering it “ignores the designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization,” while the United States described some of its provisions as a “propaganda gimmick” that hinders peace efforts.
In contrast, the Palestinian Authority and several European countries welcomed the adoption of the declaration, viewing it as a reflection of the “international will to end the occupation and establish an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.”
Notable Development
This vote comes days ahead of the upcoming meeting of world leaders at the United Nations headquarters, where several European countries, including Britain and France, are expected to officially recognize the State of Palestine. Observers consider this a sign of a shift in the positions of some Western capitals toward the ongoing conflict.