New york: The UN General Assembly on Friday voted with an overwhelming majority for a draft resolution endorsing "the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution." The draft resolution was passed by 142 votes in favor, 10 against, with 12 abstentions.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the resolution was introduced by Saudi Arabia and France, who co-chaired the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. This conference, held in New York from July 28-30, also involved co-chairs from the working groups of the conference.
The New York Declaration outlines an action-oriented pathway towards a peaceful resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict, advocating for the two-State solution. This solution envisions an independent State of Palestine coexisting peacefully with the State of Israel, based on the pre-1967 borders.
The Declaration articulates that leaders and representatives from the conference's participating countries agreed to "take collective action" to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip. Their goal is to achieve a just, peaceful, and lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the effective implementation of the two-State solution, ultimately fostering a better future for Palestinians, Israelis, and all regional peoples.
The Declaration addresses the dire consequences of the ongoing Middle East conflict, emphasizing the urgent need for decisive measures toward the two-State solution. It warns that without robust international guarantees, the conflict will deepen, and regional peace will remain unattainable.
The document strongly condemns attacks on civilians and civilian objects, acts of terrorism, provocation, incitement, and destruction. It reaffirms that hostage-taking is prohibited under international law and rejects any actions leading to territorial or demographic changes, particularly the forced displacement of the Palestinian civilian population, as violations of international humanitarian law.
Highlighting the limitations of war, occupation, terror, and forced displacement in delivering peace or security, the Declaration underscores that only a political solution can resolve the conflict. It asserts that ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and implementing the two-State solution is crucial for satisfying the legitimate aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians, in accordance with international law. This approach is viewed as the best way to end violence, curb the destabilizing role of non-state actors, and ensure the security and sovereignty of both peoples.
The Declaration commits to tangible, timebound, and irreversible steps for the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian question and the two-State solution's realization. It emphasizes concrete actions to swiftly achieve an independent, sovereign, economically viable, and democratic State of Palestine coexisting peacefully and securely with Israel, enabling full regional integration and mutual recognition.