UN backs two-state declaration condemning Hamas and Israeli strikes; India votes in favour

The United Nations Common Meeting on Friday overwhelmingly adopted the “New York Declaration,” a decision calling for tangible steps in the direction of a two-state resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian battle, in accordance with official UN proceedings. The text-drafted after a July peace convention in New York co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France-was backed by 142 member states, with 10 voting in opposition to and 12 abstaining.

What the decision says

The seven-page assertion denounces Hamas for the October 7, 2023, assaults on Israel that, in accordance with international media, killed roughly 1,200 folks and left over 250 hostage. The United Nations has described Israel’s army marketing campaign in Gaza, which has led to restrictions and assaults on civilian infrastructure, as a “devastating humanitarian disaster.”

The proclamation requires Hamas to cease controlling Gaza, surrender its weapons, and free all hostages. It additionally emphasises that the struggle “should finish now” and calls for a short-term worldwide stabilization mission mandated by the UN.

International response

French Overseas Minister Jean-Noël Barrot welcomed the adoption, saying it marked the “worldwide isolation of Hamas.” French President Emmanuel Macron additionally hailed the result, writing on X, “Immediately, underneath the management of France and Saudi Arabia, 142 nations have adopted the New York Declaration on the implementation of the Two-State Answer. Collectively, we’re charting an irreversible path in the direction of peace within the Center East. Two peoples, two States: Israel and Palestine, residing facet by facet in peace and safety.”

The decision was supported by all Gulf Arab states. India voted in favour, becoming a member of the bulk and underlining its historic stance as the primary non-Arab state to recognise Palestine. Ten nations – together with Israel, the US and Hungary-opposed the textual content.

The US dismissed the decision as “a misguided publicity stunt,” with US diplomat Morgan Ortagus telling the Meeting it “emboldened Hamas and harmed the prospects of peace.” Israel’s UN ambassador Danny Danon known as the declaration “theatre,” insisting it benefited Hamas alone.

What’s subsequent

The vote comes forward of a September 22, high-level summit in New York the place France, Saudi Arabia and a number of other companions are anticipated to push for formal recognition of a Palestinian state. Round three-quarters of UN members already recognise Palestine, proclaimed by the exiled management in 1988.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas might not attend the summit after US authorities reportedly signalled they’d not grant him a visa. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the meantime, reiterated his authorities’s rejection of Palestinian statehood, declaring: “We’re going to fulfil our promise that there will probably be no Palestinian state.”