UN General Assembly Endorses New York Declaration on Palestinian Peace Efforts

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations General Assembly has passed a declaration on the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the implementation of the two-State solution with Israel, after a high-level international conference in July. The declaration, known as the New York Declaration, calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian State. The vote was 142 in favor, with 12 abstentions, and opposition from 10 countries, including the United States.

Key Takeaways:

  • The New York Declaration is a comprehensive roadmap for the two-State solution, including an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, release of all hostages, and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian State.
  • The declaration calls for the disarmament of Hamas and its exclusion from governance in Gaza, as well as normalization of relations between Israel and Arab countries.
  • The General Assembly voted 142-10-12 in favor of the resolution, with the United States, Israel, and nine other countries voting against it.
  • The declaration is the outcome of a high-level international conference held in July, organized by France and Saudi Arabia.
  • UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the importance of implementing the two-State solution, while Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon criticized the declaration as "one-sided" and weakens the Assembly's credibility.
  • Hamas is expected to declare the declaration a victory and a step toward its goal of taking control of Palestine.

Statistics:

  • 142 countries voted in favor of the resolution.
  • 12 countries abstained from voting.
  • 10 countries voted against the resolution, including the United States and Israel.
  • The General Assembly comprises all 193 UN Member States.
  • The New York Declaration was endorsed by the General Assembly on September 12, 2025.
  • The high-level international conference was held in July, with France and Saudi Arabia jointly organizing the event.

Sources:

  • Mil OSI United Nations News (http://milnz.co.nz/mil-osi-aggregation/)
  • Contify.com
  • United Nations General Assembly
  • Remarks by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, as cited in Mil OSI United Nations News.