The UN General Assembly adopted three resolutions on Wednesday, reaffirming Palestinian statehood as a cornerstone of Middle East peace and calling on Israel to comply with international law, halt settlement expansion, and end the occupation, the UN announced on its official website.
The resolution known as Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine, is supported by 157 Member States, and emphasizes the urgent need to establish a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel as the only path to lasting peace. The resolution that the denial of Palestinian statehood has fueled cycles of violence and prolonged regional instability.
Palestine’s representative said the ongoing conflict is a denial of fundamental rights enshrined in the UN Charter. He accused Israel of systematically displacing Palestinians and undermining prospects for peace through illegal settlements and military campaigns.
The call for Palestinian statehood was framed not just as a political necessity but as a test of the international community’s commitment to justice and and the rule of law.
In a related resolution, the Assembly reaffirmed its support for the UN Division for Palestinian Rights, which advocates for Palestinian sovereignty.
Many speakers, including those from Malaysia, Türkiye, and Qatar, criticized what they saw as inadequate international action to counter Israel’s policies, calling for stronger efforts to recognize Palestinian statehood and hold Israel accountable.
Israel opposed the resolutions, accusing the UN of bias and neglecting the actions of Hamas. The United States joined Israel in rejecting the measures, arguing that the texts failed to advance direct negotiations or address broader security concerns.
The debate highlighted deep divisions within the international community but also underscored widespread support for a two-state solution.
Saudi Arabia and the European Union introduced new initiatives, including a global alliance to implement the two-state formula, signaling renewed efforts to resolve the decades-long conflict.