The U.N. General Assembly approved a resolution endorsing the establishment of a Hamas-free Palestinian government under a two-state framework for the Israel-Palestinian conflict. In a 142-10 vote with 12 abstentions, the body backed the “New York Declaration,” which outlines steps toward a peaceful resolution. France and Saudi Arabia co-sponsored the declaration, while Israel, the United States, Hungary, and Argentina opposed it.
French President Emmanuel Macron hailed the vote as a pivotal moment, stating, “Under the leadership of France and Saudi Arabia, 142 countries have adopted the New York Declaration on the implementation of the Two-State Solution. Together, we are charting an irreversible path towards peace in the Middle East.” He emphasized the need for Israel and Palestine to coexist peacefully.
Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian U.N. ambassador, framed the resolution as a reflection of global aspirations for peace, urging “a party that is still pushing the option of war” to embrace dialogue. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the measure, asserting hours before the vote, “There will be no Palestinian state.”
The declaration includes strong condemnations of Hamas, citing its attacks on civilians and demanding the release of hostages. It also seeks to isolate Israel and the U.S., highlighting shifts in global diplomacy as nations like Germany pivot toward supporting a Palestinian Authority-led governance model. The resolution is set to dominate discussions at the upcoming General Assembly session starting Sept. 22.