Esther Imonmion
The United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly on Friday in support of a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, urging Israel to commit to the establishment of a Palestinian state — a move sharply rejected by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The 193-member body approved a nonbinding resolution endorsing the “New York Declaration,” which outlines a phased plan to end the nearly eight-decade conflict. The resolution passed with 142 votes in favor, 10 against, and 12 abstentions.
Spearheaded by France and Saudi Arabia following a July high-level conference, the declaration calls for international recognition of Palestine, a transitional authority in Gaza under the Palestinian Authority, and deployment of a temporary UN stabilization mission to safeguard civilians and oversee security transfers.
The text condemned both Hamas and Israel, denouncing the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks that killed about 1,200 people in Israel and left dozens still held hostage, as well as Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which Palestinian health officials say has killed more than 64,000 people.
Netanyahu, speaking hours before the vote at the signing of an agreement to expand West Bank settlements, vowed that “there will be no Palestinian state,” insisting the territory “belongs to us.”
Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour hailed the vote as a reflection of the international community’s “yearning…to open the door for peace,” urging Israel to abandon its “option of war and destruction.”
Israel’s UN ambassador Danny Danon dismissed the resolution as “theatre,” claiming it serves Hamas rather than peace. The United States, Israel’s closest ally, echoed that stance. US Mission counselor Morgan Ortagus called the measure “a misguided and ill-timed publicity stunt” and “a gift to Hamas.”
The conflict in Gaza, now entering its second year, and broader Middle East peace efforts are expected to dominate discussions when world leaders convene for the UN General Assembly’s annual session beginning September 22.