In a landmark move on Friday, the UN General Assembly voted to back a two-state solution that excludes Hamas, calling for a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict. 🕊️
The resolution, known as the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, passed with 142 votes in favor, 10 against (including Israel and the United States), and 12 abstentions.
The text explicitly condemns Hamas for its attacks against civilians on October 7 and demands that the group surrender its weapons. It also calls on Hamas to free all hostages and lays out a roadmap for ending the war in Gaza and establishing an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.
Under the declaration, Hamas is asked to hand over control in Gaza to the Palestinian Authority, with international support, aiming for a sovereign and peaceful Palestinian state. The Arab League has already backed the plan, and 17 UN member states co-signed the declaration in July.
Palestinian Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh welcomed the vote, saying it shows "international willingness to support our people’s rights" and is an "important step towards ending the occupation and achieving our independent state."
On the other side, Israeli Foreign Ministry Spokesman Oren Marmorstein slammed the decision, calling it evidence that the General Assembly had become "a political circus detached from reality." 🎭
Looking ahead, a UN summit co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France is set for September 22 in New York. French President Emmanuel Macron plans to recognize the Palestinian state during the summit, and several other leaders are expected to follow suit.
With around three-quarters of UN members already recognizing the state proclaimed in 1988, supporters say this vote could fuel lasting change. Critics warn that ongoing war, expanded settlements, and political hurdles could still block the path to a true two-state future. Game on for peace! 🎮🕊️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
