UN Backs Declaration for Two-State Solution Amid Gaza War

The United Nations General Assembly has overwhelmingly endorsed a declaration calling for “tangible, timebound, and irreversible steps” toward a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. The resolution, rooted in a July conference hosted by Saudi Arabia and France, passed with 142 votes in favor, 10 against, and 12 abstentions. The United States and Israel opposed the move, while all Gulf Arab states supported it.

The seven-page declaration condemns Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and led to the capture of 251 hostages. It also condemns Israeli strikes in Gaza, including the siege and destruction of civilian infrastructure, which local authorities say have killed more than 64,000 people. The text calls for an immediate end to the war and supports deploying a temporary international stabilization mission under the U.N. Security Council.

France welcomed the outcome, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot highlighting that the U.N. for the first time condemned Hamas directly, demanding its surrender and disarmament. Israel and the U.S. criticized the resolution as one-sided, with U.S. diplomat Morgan Ortagus calling it “a misguided publicity stunt” that empowers Hamas rather than advancing peace. Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon echoed the sentiment, saying the vote benefits terrorists instead of fostering reconciliation.

The resolution sets the stage for a September 22 meeting on the sidelines of the General Assembly, where nations including Britain, France, Canada, Australia, and Belgium are expected to formally recognize a Palestinian state. While hailed by supporters as a diplomatic step forward, critics argue the move complicates ongoing negotiations and risks entrenching divisions further.