The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has overwhelmingly approved a resolution calling for a Two-State Solution to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict. The vote recorded 142 in favor, 10 against, and 12 abstentions.
The resolution, known as the “New York Declaration,” was introduced by France and Saudi Arabia. It outlines actionable, time-bound steps to establish an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. It also calls for collective action to end the war in Gaza and achieve lasting peace.
Key requirements in the declaration include:
- Hamas must release all hostages.
- Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and transfer weapons to the Palestinian Authority.
- Progress must align with the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state.
Palestine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the resolution. Officials praised the Saudi-French initiative for presenting an “actionable plan” to end Israeli occupation and secure Palestinian rights.
Israel strongly opposed the vote. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein called it “disgraceful” and described the General Assembly as a “political circus detached from reality.” Israel also criticized the resolution for not labeling Hamas a “terrorist organization.”
The vote occurred a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed that a Palestinian state would “never” be established and approved further settlement expansions in the West Bank.
Tensions remain high in the region. Israel has carried out multiple strikes in Gaza and across the Middle East, including Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Tunisia, and Qatar. These military actions raise concerns that ongoing violence may undermine efforts toward a Two-State Solution.
Despite opposition, the UNGA resolution signals strong international support for a Two-State Solution. The declaration emphasizes concrete steps for peace, but its success depends on political negotiations and regional cooperation.
The resolution marks a critical step in international efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace between Israel and Palestine.
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