The United Nations General Assembly has voted massively in favour of reviving the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.
On Friday, September 12, 142 countries backed the resolution. Only 10 voted against, including Israel and the United States, while 12 abstained.
The text — called the New York Declaration — condemns Hamas and demands the immediate release of all hostages. It also insists the group hand over its weapons and step aside from governing Gaza.
The resolution, drafted by France and Saudi Arabia, states clearly: “Hamas must free all hostages” and “end its rule in Gaza.”
Authority is expected to shift to the Palestinian Authority, with international support to oversee the transition. The declaration also calls for collective global action to stop the Gaza war.
Palestinian official Hussein al-Sheikh hailed the decision, calling it an important step toward ending Israeli occupation and establishing a sovereign Palestinian state.
Israel Rejects UN Resolution
Israeli leaders strongly dismissed the vote. Foreign ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein described it as “proof that the UN had become a political circus detached from reality.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu added on Thursday that “there will be no Palestinian state.” His statement cast doubt on whether the plan can take root despite wide global support.
The vote comes before a September 22 summit in New York. The meeting, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, is expected to see President Emmanuel Macron and other leaders formally recognize Palestinian statehood.
It is believed the resolution gives pro-Palestinian states a “shield” against accusations of supporting Hamas while piling diplomatic pressure on Israel to end its military operations in Gaza.
The declaration also suggests the creation of a temporary UN-led stabilization mission in Gaza to protect civilians. But years of conflict, settlement growth in the West Bank, and Israel’s hardline stance remain major obstacles.
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