UN Assembly Votes Overwhelmingly to Back Two-State Solution to Israel-Palestinian Conflict

World 11:37 AM - 2025-09-13

UN General Assembly vote on the Question of Palestine in New York City, U.S., 12 September 2025.

The United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly on Friday in favour of a two-state solution to the Israel–Palestinian conflict, endorsing the “New York Declaration” and urging Israel to commit to the establishment of a Palestinian state — a move firmly rejected by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The non-binding resolution was adopted by 142 votes to 10, with 12 abstentions, reflecting broad international support for a phased plan to end the decades-long conflict. Sponsored by France and Saudi Arabia, the resolution followed a high-level conference in July that approved the declaration.

Speaking hours before the vote, Netanyahu declared: “There will be no Palestinian state.” He made the remarks while signing an agreement to expand settlements in the West Bank, territory Palestinians regard as central to a future state. “This place belongs to us,” he added.

Palestinian and Israeli Responses

Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour welcomed the resolution as evidence of the international community’s “yearning… to open the door for the option of peace,” urging Israel to abandon “the option of war and destruction.”

By contrast, Israel’s UN envoy Danny Danon dismissed the measure as “theatre,” arguing it would embolden Hamas and undermine the credibility of the General Assembly.

U.S. Opposition

The United States, Israel’s closest ally, opposed the declaration, describing it as “misguided and ill-timed.” US Mission counsellor Morgan Ortagus warned that the resolution “is a gift to Hamas” and undermines diplomatic efforts.

Contents of the Declaration

The New York Declaration is notable for condemning Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attacks in southern Israel — a rare rebuke by Arab nations. The Hamas-led assault killed around 1,200 people, mainly civilians, and took 250 hostages, of whom 48 remain captive.

It also condemns Israel’s military operations in Gaza, citing “siege and starvation” and the “devastating humanitarian catastrophe” that has resulted in more than 64,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

The declaration envisions the Palestinian Authority assuming control over all Palestinian territories, with Hamas relinquishing its rule and handing over weapons. It also proposes a temporary UN-led stabilisation mission to safeguard civilians, monitor ceasefires and provide guarantees for both Palestinians and Israelis.

Finally, the resolution urges member states to recognise Palestine, calling such recognition “an essential and indispensable component” of achieving a two-state solution.

Context

The debate comes as the conflict, now stretching into its second year in Gaza, dominates the international agenda. The Palestinians hope that at least 10 additional countries will recognise their statehood ahead of the UN General Assembly’s high-level week beginning 22 September, when global leaders are expected to address the issue.

Article was originally published by the Associated Press.



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