UN Conference Supports Palestine State, Pressures Israel/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A high-level U.N. conference backed a two-state solution and called on Israel to recognize a Palestinian state. The New York Declaration outlines a plan for peace, condemning violence on both sides of the Gaza conflict. France and the UK pledged to recognize Palestine unless Israel meets key peace conditions.
Two-State Solution Push – Quick Looks
- U.N. conference endorses New York Declaration urging two-state solution.
- Plan outlines phased peace ending Gaza war with demilitarized Palestine.
- France, UK to recognize Palestine unless Israel agrees to ceasefire.
- U.S. boycotts event; Israel denounces it as appeasement of terrorism.
- Declaration condemns Hamas and Israeli attacks on civilians alike.
- Calls for Palestinian Authority to govern post-ceasefire Gaza.
- Proposal includes UN-led stabilization mission to monitor peace.
- 15 Western countries support “New York Call” on state recognition.
Deep Look: UN Conference Endorses Two-State Solution, Urges Israel to Commit to Palestinian State
UNITED NATIONS — At a pivotal international gathering on Tuesday, representatives from more than 125 countries at a United Nations conference in New York voiced overwhelming support for the creation of a Palestinian state, urging Israel to commit to a two-state solution as a pathway to ending one of the world’s longest-running and most violent conflicts.
“New York Declaration” Seeks End to War, Path to Peace
The result of the conference was the “New York Declaration,” a wide-ranging document that lays out a phased peace plan to end the war in Gaza and establish a demilitarized, independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. The plan envisions both nations ultimately integrating into the broader Middle East.
The conference, originally scheduled for June but delayed and downgraded from a summit of world leaders to ministers, introduced eight high-level working groups to develop actionable proposals. These efforts come amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with reports of starvation and restricted access to aid — conditions Israel denies responsibility for.
Israeli and U.S. Opposition
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the conference and its two-state premise, citing security and national identity concerns. Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon harshly criticized participating nations for what he called appeasement of terrorism.
The United States also boycotted the event, labeling it “unproductive and ill-timed,” despite long being a broker in previous Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts.
Global Unity, Arab-Western Cooperation
Despite opposition from Israel and the U.S., the declaration found widespread support. Co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, and backed by the European Union, Arab League, and several other nations, the plan reflects a broad international coalition determined to resolve the conflict.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan urged all 193 U.N. member states to back the declaration before the U.N. General Assembly convenes in mid-September.
A Rare Arab Condemnation of Hamas
In a diplomatic breakthrough, the declaration includes a condemnation of Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attacks on Israeli civilians. This marks the first time Arab states have jointly condemned Hamas, which killed about 1,200 people and kidnapped roughly 250.
The document also condemns Israeli attacks on Gaza’s civilian infrastructure, referring to the siege and starvation as causes of a “devastating humanitarian catastrophe.” The Gaza Health Ministry estimates over 60,000 deaths, though the figures do not distinguish civilians from militants.
Governance and Security Proposals
The New York Declaration envisions the Palestinian Authority taking over governance of Palestinian territories once a ceasefire is achieved. It calls for Hamas to relinquish control of Gaza and disarm.
A UN-led stabilization force would protect civilians, oversee the security transition, and monitor compliance with a future peace agreement. The plan is designed to provide mutual security guarantees for both Israel and Palestine.
Recognition of Palestinian State Grows
The declaration urges all nations to recognize Palestine as a sovereign state — calling it a “critical step” toward lasting peace. The message was underscored by announcements from major Western powers:
- France will formally recognize Palestine at the U.N. General Assembly in September.
- United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer committed to recognition unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire and peace roadmap within eight weeks.
These pledges make France and the UK the first G7 members to tie statehood recognition to Israel’s response.
The “New York Call”: Stronger But More Divisive
A separate one-page document titled the “New York Call”—led by France—was endorsed by only 15 Western nations, including Canada, Australia, Finland, and Portugal. It encourages countries to join them in recognizing Palestine. The document’s more assertive tone deterred Arab nations from signing.
What’s Next?
With the U.N. General Assembly’s 80th session approaching, the international push for recognition of Palestine is gaining momentum. If Israel fails to meet ceasefire conditions or engage in good-faith negotiations, the formal recognition of a Palestinian state may become reality for dozens of new nations.
Yet, the path to implementation remains uncertain, with deep resistance from Israel’s current leadership and continued tension on the ground in Gaza. Whether this diplomatic momentum will reshape the region or stall under geopolitical friction remains to be seen.
