Two-State Solution Gains Strong Support at UN Assembly

In a significant move reflecting global sentiment towards the Israel-Palestinian conflict, the United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly on Friday to endorse a two-state solution. This resolution, which calls for the establishment of a Palestinian state, faced staunch opposition from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who reiterated his firm stance against such a development.

The resolution, which is nonbinding, received overwhelming support from the 193-member assembly, passing with a vote of 142 in favor, 10 against, and 12 abstentions. It endorses the “New York Declaration,” a phased plan aimed at resolving the nearly 80-year conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.

Prior to the vote, Netanyahu made headlines by declaring, “there will be no Palestinian state.” His remarks came during a signing ceremony for an agreement to expand Israeli settlements in the West Bank, a territory that Palestinians claim as part of their future state. “This place belongs to us,” he asserted, emphasizing Israel’s historical and cultural ties to the land.

The resolution was co-sponsored by France and Saudi Arabia, who had previously co-chaired a high-level conference in July focused on implementing a two-state solution. This conference was part of ongoing international efforts to address the long-standing conflict, which has roots dating back to the early 20th century, when tensions between Jewish and Arab populations in the region began to escalate.

As the world prepares for the annual gathering of leaders at the General Assembly starting September 22, the ongoing war in Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict are expected to dominate discussions. The Palestinian leadership is optimistic that at least ten additional countries will recognize the state of Palestine, adding to the more than 145 nations that already do.

Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian ambassador to the U.N., expressed that the resolution reflects a collective yearning for peace within the international community. He urged those who continue to pursue conflict to heed the call for a peaceful resolution. “We invite a party that is still pushing the option of war and destruction… to listen to the sound of reason,” he stated, emphasizing the need for dialogue over violence.

In stark contrast, Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon dismissed the resolution as mere “theater,” arguing that it primarily benefits Hamas, the militant group that governs Gaza. He characterized the declaration as a “hollow gesture” that undermines the credibility of the U.N. General Assembly.

The United States, a close ally of Israel, also expressed its disapproval of the resolution. U.S. Mission counselor Morgan Ortagus labeled it a “misguided and ill-timed publicity stunt” that detracts from serious diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict. “Make no mistake, this resolution is a gift to Hamas,” she asserted, highlighting the complexities of international diplomacy in the region.

The declaration included a rare condemnation of Hamas by Arab nations, denouncing the group’s attacks on Israeli civilians during the recent escalation of violence. On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants killed approximately 1,200 people, primarily civilians, and took around 250 hostages, with 48 still unaccounted for.

Simultaneously, the resolution condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which have resulted in a humanitarian crisis. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 64,000 Palestinians have died as a result of the conflict, although the figures do not differentiate between combatants and civilians. The declaration highlights the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and protection for civilians caught in the crossfire.

The “New York Declaration” envisions a future where the Palestinian Authority governs all Palestinian territories. It proposes the establishment of a transitional administrative committee to facilitate governance following a ceasefire in Gaza. The declaration calls for Hamas to relinquish its control over Gaza and disarm, transferring authority to the Palestinian Authority.

Furthermore, the resolution advocates for the deployment of a “temporary international stabilization mission” under U.N. auspices. This mission would aim to protect Palestinian civilians, support the transfer of security responsibilities to the Palestinian Authority, and provide security guarantees for both Palestine and Israel. The document emphasizes the importance of monitoring ceasefires and future peace agreements.

One of the key components of the resolution is its call for countries to recognize the state of Palestine, which it describes as an “essential and indispensable component” of achieving a two-state solution. While the document does not explicitly name Israel, it refers to “illegal unilateral actions” that threaten the realization of an independent Palestinian state.

The recent U.N. General Assembly vote underscores the complexities and challenges surrounding the Israel-Palestinian conflict. While the resolution reflects a significant international consensus advocating for a two-state solution, the stark divisions between Israeli and Palestinian leadership, as well as the geopolitical interests of global powers, complicate the path to peace. As world leaders prepare to gather in New York, the hope remains that dialogue and diplomacy can pave the way for a resolution that honors the aspirations of both peoples.