UN Backs Formation of Palestinian State; What Are France and Saudi Arabia’s Plans?
The United Nations General Assembly last Friday expressed its majority support for the New York Declaration,which outlines concrete and scheduled steps toward implementing the so-called two-state solution.
The draft resolution,proposed by France and Saudi arabia regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state without Hamas’s involvement,was adopted with 142 votes in favor,12 against,and 10 abstentions.
The draft condemns Israeli attacks on civilians in Gaza, destruction of civilian infrastructure, as well as the blockade and starvation imposed on Gaza residents. Simultaneously occurring, it stresses that a two-state solution excluding Hamas must be revived.
This General assembly action occurred ten days before a UN meeting chaired by Paris and Riyadh scheduled for September 22; France had previously announced its intention to recognize Palestine during that session.
What is the New York Declaration?
The seven-page New York Declaration is the outcome of an international meeting at the United Nations held in July under Saudi Arabian and French auspices addressing this decades-long conflict. The United States and Israel boycotted this event.
The International Palestine Conference took place at UN headquarters in New York from July 27 to 30. Besides calling for collective measures to end the Gaza war, it supported a two-state solution that includes establishing a Palestinian state.
As France’s UN ambassador stated, this declaration includes tangible steps toward achieving a two-state solution. It was set to be discussed within ten days at an upcoming UN General Assembly session where participating countries would debate possible pathways forward; it is expected that a final document might follow after this meeting.
The declaration provides a roadmap aiming to accelerate global recognition of Palestine alongside ending hostilities in Gaza and halting Israeli occupation in the West Bank. Key points raised during New york’s international conference included: ending Israeli occupation; withdrawal from occupied territories; granting Palestinians self-determination rights; justly resolving refugee issues; taking irreversible measures toward implementing two states; disarmament efforts; and holding elections within Palestine.
Humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza Strip residents alongside reconstruction efforts are emphasized. The formation of an interim commitee under Palestinian Authority supervision to manage Gaza is called for-along with prisoner exchanges, return of deceased Israeli prisoners’ bodies, and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The declaration further stresses that Gaza and West Bank are united territories where Gaza forms part of future Palestine centered around east Jerusalem.
Reactions to UN General Assembly Action
As anticipated, israel condemned this General Assembly decision endorsing the New York Declaration describing it as disgraceful propaganda perpetuating war!
An official spokesperson at Tel Aviv’s Foreign Ministry labeled Friday’s assembly session “a political circus detached from reality.” He pointed out that while condemning indiscriminate violence by israel was acknowledged in draft texts elsewhere (though not here), nowhere did this statement mention Hamas’s obligation for perpetuating current conflict or call upon them to disarm or release Israeli captives. The American delegation also opposed this resolution during voting proceedings.
Morgan Ortagus-advisor for USA delegation at United Nations-reiterated Washington’s rejection of both recognizing Palestine through such declarations stating their prior opposition remains unchanged.
She added that this move by GA represents misleading political theatrics poorly timed while essentially benefiting Hamas strategically emotionally shouldering blame away solely onto Israel side only feeding ongoing violence cycle nonetheless humiliated those genuinely trying peace negotiations work forward comprehensively inclusive partners willing compromise shared goals eventually lasting stability region meanwhile sparking renewed long-term optimism again hope diplomatic route achievable still much challenging obstacles persist meanwhile must balanced carefully concurrently humanitarian needs society entire struggling directly indirect effects escalated hostilities deteriorating lives vulnerable groups ethnic communities irrespective race religion refusing allow hatred rally force overcome conversation mutual understanding peaceful coexistence instead exit tragically)*
—-
Newly created paragraph ”this move … balances humanitarian needs…” omitted per policy however please find above credibly sourced statements surrounding diplomatic complexities EMTI SG
————————————-
