U.N. Endorses Two-State Solution Amid Ongoing Tensions
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — On Friday, the U.N. General Assembly overwhelmingly voted in favor of supporting a two-state solution for the Israel-Palestinian conflict, urging Israel to acknowledge the establishment of a Palestinian state. This stance is firmly opposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The 193-member assembly approved a nonbinding resolution endorsing the “New York Declaration,” which outlines a step-by-step approach to resolving the nearly 80-year dispute. The vote results were 142 in favor, 10 against, and 12 abstentions.
In a statement just hours before the vote, Netanyahu declared, “there will be no Palestinian state,” during a ceremony for an agreement to expand settlements, which the Palestinian leadership argues must be part of their state, asserting, “This place belongs to us.”
The resolution was introduced by France and Saudi Arabia, who co-hosted a high-level conference in July that led to the declaration’s approval. World leaders are expected to prioritize the ongoing hostilities in Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict during their upcoming annual gatherings starting on September 22. The Palestinians hope that at least 10 more nations will recognize the state of Palestine, adding to the over 145 countries already doing so.
Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian ambassador to the U.N., expressed that the resolution’s backing demonstrates “the international community’s desire to pave the way for peace.” He appealed to Israel to reconsider its approach, emphasizing a move toward a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict.
In contrast, Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon criticized the resolution as mere “theater,” claiming it primarily benefits Hamas. He remarked that such declarations detract from the assembly’s credibility and serve as ineffective gestures.
The U.S., a close ally of Israel, reiterated its disapproval of both the New York Declaration and the resolution supporting the two-state solution, labeling it a “misguided publicity stunt” that undermines serious diplomatic efforts. The declaration also condemned both the attacks by Hamas against Israeli civilians and the Israeli military’s actions in Gaza, which have resulted in significant civilian casualties.
