An historic decision was taken at the United Nations on Friday, with India and 142 other countries supporting the Two-State Solution to recognize Palestine as an independent nation and end the Israel-Palestine conflict.
New York: An historic decision was taken at the United Nations on Friday, with India and 142 other countries supporting the 'New York Declaration,' which recognizes Palestine as an independent nation. This proposal was passed despite opposition from Israel and the United States. The New York Declaration aims to grant independent statehood to Palestine and take steps towards implementing the Two-State Solution to end the Israel-Palestine conflict.
What is the New York Declaration?
This proposal was drafted under the leadership of France and Saudi Arabia. It was presented at a high-level conference held in July to implement the Two-State Solution. The declaration calls for handing over the administration of the entire Palestinian territory to the Palestinian Authority after a ceasefire in Gaza, ending Hamas rule, and transferring their weapons to the Palestinian Authority.
Furthermore, the proposal includes provisions for deploying a temporary international mission under the United Nations to ensure the security of Palestinian citizens and to monitor a peace agreement. The New York Declaration condemned the attacks by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the taking of 250 hostages. It also criticized the Israeli attacks, siege, and starvation in Gaza, which have led to the deaths of over 64,000 Palestinians.
India openly supported this proposal
India openly supported this proposal. This move is in line with India's long-standing policy of advocating for the recognition of Palestine as an independent nation. Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour described this support as a 'hope for peace.' He stated that this proposal reflects the desire of the entire world to open a path to peace.
We appeal to those who are choosing the path of war and destruction to listen to the voice of peace and reason. India's support sent a message that it is committed to the Two-State Solution and regional peace.
Opposition from the US and Israel
Meanwhile, Israel and the United States opposed the proposal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outright rejected it and signed off on the construction of new settlements in the West Bank. He stated, "There will be no Palestinian state here. This land is ours." Israel's UN Ambassador, Danny Dannon, called the declaration a "theater" and said it would only benefit Hamas. The United States also described it as a "propagandistic stunt at the wrong time" and stated that the proposal could give Hamas political and military advantages.
In the United Nations General Assembly, 142 countries voted in favor of the proposal, while 10 countries opposed it, and 12 abstained from voting. Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour expressed hope that at least 10 more countries would recognize Palestine as an independent nation during the General Assembly session starting September 22. Currently, over 145 countries have already done so.
