UN General Assembly Backs Two-State Solution in Landmark Vote

UN General Assembly Backs Two-State Solution in Landmark Vote
………..

The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on Friday endorsing the “New York Declaration” that calls for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and the implementation of a two-state solution. The resolution passed with overwhelming support, receiving 142 votes in favor, 10 against, and 12 abstentions.

The declaration was drafted by France and Saudi Arabia, who co-chaired an international conference on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in July. Fifteen other countries, including Brazil, Canada, Turkey, Jordan, Qatar, Egypt, and the United Kingdom, joined in supporting the initiative, along with the European Union and the Arab League.

The declaration urges an end to the ongoing war in Gaza and calls for a “just, peaceful, and lasting” resolution to the decades-long conflict, based on two states. It emphasizes that governance and security across all Palestinian territories should fall solely under the Palestinian Authority, with international support. The text also stresses that Hamas should relinquish control of Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Authority.

Iraq abstained from voting without providing an explanation for its stance. Meanwhile, Finland announced its decision to endorse the New York Declaration, marking a notable step given its internal political divisions over recognizing Palestine as a state. Unlike Spain and Norway, Finland has not yet granted official recognition, though the move follows a similar announcement by Belgium earlier this month.

The declaration represents the outcome of a UN-hosted international conference led by France and Saudi Arabia, which Israel and the United States boycotted. Its first step outlines the necessity of ending nearly two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The diplomatic momentum has been growing, with French President Emmanuel Macron recently confirming that France intends to recognize Palestine during the current UN General Assembly session, scheduled between September 9 and 23.

Supporters of the resolution argue that it could lay the groundwork for renewed negotiations and provide an international framework for peace, although significant political and security challenges remain on the ground.