Chicago – September 13, 2025
The United Nations General Assembly has voted overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution backing a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, signaling renewed international efforts toward peace. The non-binding “New York Declaration” was endorsed by 142 member states, with 10 countries—including Israel and the United States—opposing the measure, and 12 abstaining.
Introduced by France and Saudi Arabia, the declaration outlines a framework for establishing a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel, calling for immediate action such as a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages. The document strongly urges Hamas to relinquish its governance in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, a step positioned as essential for future statehood and regional stability.
Reactions to the vote were polarized. Palestinian officials lauded the initiative as a meaningful step toward ending occupation, while Israel condemned the resolution as “shameful” and counterproductive. The assembly’s decision reflects mounting global frustration over stalled negotiations and escalating violence, with further discussions anticipated at a high-level summit later this month.
