France and Saudi Arabia Lead UN Push for Palestinian Statehood Through Two-State Solution
In a significant diplomatic move, the United Nations General Assembly has thrown its overwhelming support behind a new framework aimed at resolving the long-standing Palestinian issue. The assembly, voting last Friday, endorsed the New York Declaration with 142 votes in favor, 12 against, and 10 abstentions.
A Concrete Roadmap for Peace
The resolution, drafted and presented by France and Saudi Arabia, outlines tangible, time-bound steps to implement the two-state solution. It condemns attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Gaza, as well as the blockade and the imposition of hunger on its residents. Crucially, the plan calls for the revival of the two-state solution while explicitly excluding the involvement of Hamas.
This decisive UN action comes just ten days ahead of a high-level meeting on September 22nd, to be chaired by Paris and Riyadh. France had previously announced its intention to formally recognize the state of Palestine during this upcoming session.
What is the New York Declaration?
The seven-page New York Declaration is the outcome of an international conference hosted at the UN in July by Saudi Arabia and France. The United States and the Israeli regime chose to boycott the event. The declaration not only affirms collective action to end the war in Gaza but also offers firm support for the two-state solution and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
As outlined by the French ambassador to the UN, the declaration includes concrete measures to realize the two-state vision. Key points from the international conference include:
- The necessity of ending the occupation.
- Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories.
- The right to self-determination for Palestinians.
- A just resolution for refugees.
- Irreversible steps towards a two-state solution.
- The disarmament of groups and the holding of elections in Palestine.
The plan also emphasizes the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, the strip’s reconstruction, and the formation of a transitional committee to administer Gaza under the oversight of the Palestinian Authority. It further calls for a prisoner exchange and reaffirms that Gaza and the West Bank are a single, unified territory, integral to a future Palestinian state.
International Reactions
As anticipated, the Israeli regime voiced its strong opposition to the General Assembly’s endorsement, labeling the move “shameful” and claiming it perpetuates the conflict. A spokesperson for the Israeli foreign ministry described the assembly as a “political circus” detached from realities, criticizing the declaration for not holding Hamas responsible for the ongoing war.
The United States also reiterated its opposition to the declaration. A spokesperson for the U.S. mission to the UN, Morgan Ortagas, confirmed Washington’s prior stance against the proposal.