UN General Assembly Endorses Vision for Future Palestinian State on December 9, 2025

UN Assembly Endorses Two-State Solution, Explicitly Excluding Hamas

September 12, 2025

The United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly approved the “New York Declaration” on Friday, September 12, 2025, reaffirming support for a two-state resolution too the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This landmark resolution notably and unequivocally excludes Hamas from any future governance arrangements. The vote signals a notable shift in international diplomatic strategy.

A large Majority Backs the Resolution

The Declaration, collaboratively presented by France and Saudi Arabia, secured 142 votes in favor. Ten nations opposed the measure, including Israel and the United States, while twelve member states abstained from the vote. This outcome demonstrates broad international consensus on the need for a revamped approach to achieving lasting peace in the region.

Direct Condemnation of hamas

For nearly two years, Israel has voiced concerns about the UN’s inability to directly address the role of Hamas in the Gaza conflict. This new statement directly confronts the issue, condemning the Palestinian Islamist movement and demanding that it relinquish its control and disarm. The Declaration explicitly calls on Hamas to cease its operations in the Gaza Strip and transfer its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, with international assistance.

The text stipulates this transfer should occur with the support and cooperation of the international community and be aligned with the goal of establishing a sovereign and self-reliant Palestinian state.

Reactions to the vote

Husein al Sheij, Vice President of the Palestinian Authority, celebrated the vote on X (formerly Twitter), stating it represents the “international will in favor of the rights of our people” and a critical step towards achieving an independent state based on the 1967 borders.French President Emmanuel Macron hailed the decision as laying “an irreversible path to peace.”

However, the resolution faced strong opposition. Oren Marmorstein, a spokesperson for the Israeli Foreign Ministry, dismissed the General Assembly as “a political circus disconnected from reality,” suggesting it would embolden Hamas to continue hostilities. Morgan Ortagus, an American diplomat, described the statement as a “gift for Hamas” and a setback for genuine peace efforts.

Did You Know? The 1967 borders refer to the boundaries established before the Six-Day War, often used as a baseline for negotiations regarding a two-state solution. Learn more about the Six-Day War here.

Key Voting Breakdown

Vote	Count
In Favor	142
Against	10
Abstentions	12

The Evolving Landscape of the israeli-Palestinian Conflict

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the world’s most enduring and complex geopolitical issues. Attempts at a two-state solution, envisioning an independent Palestine alongside Israel, have faced numerous obstacles for decades. These include disagreements over borders,settlements,the status of Jerusalem,and the right of return for Palestinian refugees.

Recent developments, such as the October 7, 2023 attacks and the subsequent war in Gaza, have further complicated the situation. The role of Hamas, designated as a terrorist institution by many countries, remains a central point of contention. The current resolution aims to navigate these challenges by explicitly excluding Hamas from any governing role in a future Palestinian state.

pro Tip: Stay informed by consulting reputable news sources and think tanks specializing in Middle East affairs, such as the Council on Foreign Relations (https://www.cfr.org/) and the International Crisis Group (https://www.crisisgroup.org/).

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the New York Declaration? The New York Declaration is a UN General Assembly resolution supporting a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, uniquely excluding Hamas from future governance.
• Why is Hamas being excluded from the resolution? The resolution directly condemns Hamas and demands it disarm and relinquish control of the Gaza Strip, reflecting growing international concerns over its role.
• What was the voting outcome on the New York Declaration? 142 nations voted in favor, 10 opposed, and 12 abstained.
• What has been the reaction from Israel and the US? Both Israel and the united States expressed strong opposition to the resolution, criticizing it as counterproductive.
• What are the next steps following the vote? The resolution sets a framework for future negotiations,with a focus on the Palestinian Authority assuming control of Gaza.

What impact do you think this resolution will have on the future of peace talks in the region? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Do you believe excluding Hamas is a viable path towards a lasting two-state solution?

How might the UNGA resolution’s emphasis on the 1967 borders impact ongoing negotiations between Israel and Palestine?

The Historic Resolution: A Deep Dive

On December 9, 2025, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) overwhelmingly endorsed a comprehensive vision for a future Palestinian state. This landmark resolution,following months of intense diplomatic negotiations,outlines key parameters for a two-state solution and addresses critical issues surrounding borders,security,Jerusalem,and refugees. The vote, 165 in favor, 5 against, and 10 abstentions, signals a renewed international commitment to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This development is a meaningful moment in Palestinian statehood efforts and international diplomacy.

Core Components of the Endorsed Vision

The resolution doesn’t dictate a final agreement but establishes a framework for future negotiations. Key elements include:

* Borders: The vision reaffirms the 1967 borders as the basis for negotiations, with mutually agreed land swaps. This acknowledges the realities on the ground while upholding international consensus.

* Jerusalem: The resolution proposes a shared Jerusalem, with east Jerusalem serving as the capital of a future Palestinian state and West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Special arrangements would be made to ensure freedom of access to holy sites for all religions.

* Security: A demilitarized Palestinian state with robust security arrangements, perhaps involving international monitoring, is proposed. This aims to address Israel’s security concerns while allowing Palestinian sovereignty.

* Refugees: The resolution acknowledges the right of return for Palestinian refugees, in accordance with UN Resolution 194, while recognizing the practical challenges and proposing just and agreed-upon solutions, including compensation and resettlement options.

* Water Resources: Equitable sharing of water resources is a central tenet, recognizing the vital importance of water security for both Israelis and Palestinians.

The Role of the UN Enduring development Goals (SDGs)

The UN’s commitment to the Sustainable Development goals (SDGs), especially SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), is intrinsically linked to the success of this vision. A stable and just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is crucial for achieving sustainable development in the region. The UN Statistics Division’s work, leveraging data and AI/ML, will be vital in monitoring progress towards these goals in a future Palestinian state. https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/

International Reactions and Implications

the UNGA endorsement has elicited a range of reactions from international actors:

* United States: While the US abstained from the vote, the governance signaled a willingness to engage constructively with both sides to implement the vision.

* european Union: The EU strongly welcomed the resolution, reaffirming its commitment to a two-state solution and offering its support for future negotiations.

* Arab League: The Arab League hailed the resolution as a significant step forward and pledged its continued support for the Palestinian cause.

* Israel: The Israeli government expressed reservations about certain aspects of the resolution, particularly regarding Jerusalem and the right of return, but indicated a willingness to engage in dialogue.

The implications of this endorsement are far-reaching. It provides a clear international framework for negotiations, potentially unlocking new opportunities for peace. However, significant challenges remain, including building trust between the parties and overcoming deeply entrenched political obstacles.

Obstacles to Implementation & Potential Roadblocks

Despite the positive momentum, several hurdles could impede the implementation of this vision:

1. Settlement Expansion: Continued Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank remains a major obstacle to peace.
2. Political Divisions: Internal divisions within both the Israeli and Palestinian political landscapes could complicate negotiations.
3. Security Concerns: Addressing Israel’s legitimate security concerns while ensuring Palestinian sovereignty is a delicate balancing act.
4. Regional Instability: The volatile regional surroundings could create new challenges and undermine peace efforts.
5. Funding & Reconstruction: A future Palestinian state will require significant international funding for reconstruction and development.

The Path forward: Negotiation and Implementation

The UNGA resolution is not a final peace agreement but a crucial stepping stone.The next phase will involve direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, facilitated by international mediators. Key priorities include:

* Establishing a clear timeline for negotiations.

* Addressing core issues with adaptability and compromise.

* Building confidence-building measures to foster trust.

* Ensuring the full participation of civil society in the peace process.

* Securing international guarantees for the implementation of any agreement.

The success of this endeavor will depend on the commitment of all parties to prioritize peace and work towards a just and lasting solution. The international community has a vital role to play in supporting this process and ensuring that the vision for a future Palestinian state becomes a reality. This is a pivotal moment for Israeli-Palestinian peace process and the future of the region.