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

The United Nations General Assembly on Friday overwhelmingly adopted the "New York Declaration," a resolution calling for tangible steps towards a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, according to official UN proceedings. The text-drafted after a July peace conference in New York co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France-was backed by 142 member states, with 10 voting against and 12 abstaining.

What the resolution says

The seven-page statement denounces Hamas for the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel that, according to foreign media, killed roughly 1,200 people and left over 250 hostage. The United Nations has described Israel's military campaign in Gaza, which has led to restrictions and attacks on civilian infrastructure, as a "devastating humanitarian catastrophe."

The proclamation calls for Hamas to stop controlling Gaza, give up its weapons, and free all hostages. It also emphasises that the war "must end now" and demands a short-term international stabilization mission mandated by the UN.

Global reaction

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot welcomed the adoption, saying it marked the "international isolation of Hamas." French President Emmanuel Macron also hailed the outcome, writing on X, "Today, 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. Two peoples, two States: Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security."

The resolution was supported by all Gulf Arab states. India voted in favour, joining the majority and underlining its historical stance as the first non-Arab state to recognise Palestine. Ten countries - including Israel, the United States and Hungary-opposed the text.

The United States dismissed the resolution as "a misguided publicity stunt," with US diplomat Morgan Ortagus telling the Assembly it "emboldened Hamas and harmed the prospects of peace." Israel's UN ambassador Danny Danon called the declaration "theatre," insisting it benefited Hamas alone.

What's next

The vote comes ahead of a September 22, high-level summit in New York where France, Saudi Arabia and several partners are expected to push for formal recognition of a Palestinian state. Around three-quarters of UN members already recognise Palestine, proclaimed by the exiled leadership in 1988.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas may not attend the summit after US authorities reportedly signalled they would not grant him a visa. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meanwhile, reiterated his government's rejection of Palestinian statehood, declaring: "We are going to fulfil our promise that there will be no Palestinian state."