MWE Correspondent
The United Nations General Assembly has voted decisively in favour of a resolution urging a comprehensive two-state solution to the protracted conflict between Israel and Palestine.
The declaration, known as the New York Declaration, was backed by 142 countries, with 10 opposing and 12 abstaining.
The resolution, jointly spearheaded by France and Saudi Arabia, sets out a series of binding measures aimed at ending the war in Gaza and paving the way for a sovereign and independent Palestinian state. It calls for the dismantling of Hamas’ governing structures in Gaza, the release of hostages, and the transfer of administrative control to the Palestinian Authority. It also outlines plans for a temporary international mission under United Nations oversight to stabilize the region, protect civilians, and guarantee security commitments for both sides.
Global reactions were swift and sharply divided. European and Arab nations largely welcomed the move, describing it as a long-awaited step toward peace. By contrast, Israel rejected the declaration as “detached from reality,” while the United States warned it could hinder ongoing diplomatic negotiations.
The urgency of the resolution reflects the dire humanitarian conditions inside Gaza, where thousands remain displaced and civilian casualties continue to rise. Human rights organisations have described the enclave as facing one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. According to aid agencies, the destruction of infrastructure has left millions dependent on foreign assistance for survival.
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Analysts suggest the resolution signals a wider shift in global attitudes. Many governments, once cautious to take a firm stance, are now aligning behind the two-state formula. For diplomats, the text represents not just a political instrument but also a moral appeal to end a cycle of bloodshed.
Yet major obstacles remain. Hamas has shown no sign of relinquishing power voluntarily, while deep mistrust persists between Palestinian factions themselves. Israel, meanwhile, remains sceptical of international declarations, pointing to repeated security threats and political instability in the region.
The resolution, however, has ignited new hope among Palestinians who see it as an overdue recognition of their national aspirations. For them, the dream of statehood—long debated in global forums—may finally be inching closer to reality.
In a symbolic sense, the vote also reaffirms the international community’s support for the two-state solution as the only viable path forward. It highlights the necessity of a comprehensive settlement that ensures both security for Israel and dignity for Palestinians.
The road ahead will not be easy. Ceasefires have collapsed before, negotiations have faltered, and the realities on the ground are complex. But with the General Assembly’s declaration, pressure is mounting for substantive action—whether through diplomacy, international monitoring, or direct humanitarian interventions.
