- December 4, 2024
- 4:28 pm
- World News
On December 3, 2024, the UN General Assembly approved a resolution calling for holding in 2025 “High-level international conference for a peaceful solution to the Palestinian issue”. Resolution No.35 / A-79 / L.23 aims to return to the concept of “two states for two peoples”.
As expected, the document was accepted by an overwhelming majority of votes: 157 countries voted in favor, including Russia and their allies. Israel, the USA and 6 other states spoke out “against”.
Ukraine “abstained.” Representatives of Ukraine at the UN emphasized that their position is determined by the desire for a peaceful settlement, but they are not ready to support unilateral steps that discriminate against Israel.
Results:
FOR — 157 states
AGAINST — 8: Argentina, Hungary, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, USA and Israel itself.
ABSTAINED — 7: Cameroon, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Georgia, Paraguay, Ukraine, Uruguay.
At the same time, Russia, not missing an opportunity, once again sided with countries that regularly criticize Israel, which once again emphasized its political manipulations in the international arena.
It was decided that the “High-level International Conference on the peaceful solution of the Palestinian problem and settlement based on the concept of “two states for two peoples” will be held in New York on June 4, 2025.
Ukraine's position: diplomacy in action
Ukraine abstained from voting, which many perceived as a deliberate diplomatic decision.
- On the one hand, this allowed Kyiv to maintain friendly relations with Israel, which provides significant support in the face of Russian aggression.
- On the other hand, such a decision does not aggravate relations with Arab countries, which also play an important role on the world stage.
Representatives of Ukraine at the UN emphasized that their position is determined by the desire for a peaceful settlement, but they are not ready to support unilateral steps that discriminate against Israel.
Quote from a Ukrainian diplomat:
“We believe that dialogue is possible only under equal conditions for all parties to the conflict. The conference should not turn into a platform for accusations against Israel.”
Russia and its role in voting
Russia has traditionally supported the resolution, trying to establish itself as a supporter of Palestinian interests. However, there is a political calculation behind this.
- Moscow uses such decisions to put pressure on the West and Israel, trying to divert attention from its own aggressive policies, including actions in Ukraine.
- At the same time, Russia continues to support countries that regularly criticize Israel, such as Syria and Iran, underscoring its destabilizing role in the Middle East.
As analysts note, Russian support for the Palestinian side is not a sincere step in favor of peace, but rather an attempt to present itself as a “protector of the oppressed”, using the UN to undermine the West.
Israel's reaction: a strong position against the conference
Israel and the United States strongly opposed the resolution, pointing out its anti-Israeli nature.
Israel's representative to the UN stated:
“This conference has nothing to do with the real settlement of the conflict. It only deepens the division and turns the UN into a tool for blame.”
The US also expressed concern, calling the resolution “a unilateral approach that does not promote peace.”
Details about the UN resolution on Palestine
Main provisions of the resolution
UN General Assembly Resolution No. 35/A-79/L.23 aims to hold a high-level conference in 2025 dedicated to “resolving the Palestinian issue.” The main goal of the document is to create “long-term and sustainable peace based on the principle of “two states for two peoples.” This presupposes “the peaceful coexistence of Israel and Palestine as equal independent states.”
Among the key provisions of the resolution:
- Organization of the conference in New York:
The conference is scheduled for June 2025. It is intended to become a platform for discussion and decision-making on the peaceful resolution of the conflict, which has been going on for decades.
- Adoption of the final declaration:
After the conference, participants must develop and sign a declaration that will contain:
- A road map for the creation of a Palestinian state.
- Concrete steps to ensure peace in the region.
- Implementation of previously made decisions:
The document emphasizes the need to implement existing UN resolutions, including the recommendations of the International Court of Justice.
- Call to Israel:
The resolution demands:
- Immediately stop the construction and expansion of settlements in the disputed territories.
- Evacuate settlements from “occupied Palestinian lands,” including East Jerusalem.
- Fulfill obligations in accordance with international law.
- Economic and humanitarian support for Palestine:
The resolution's parties insist on continued assistance to the Palestinian people, including:
- Financial support.
- Humanitarian aid supplies.
- Technical assistance to the Palestinian Authority.
- Condemnation of Israel's actions:
The document criticizes changes in the demographic structure in East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, and also states the inadmissibility of seizing territories by force.
Objectives and context of the resolution
The main idea of the resolution is to return to diplomatic negotiations, which were effectively frozen in recent years. The “two states for two peoples” approach is considered by the UN to be the only possible solution that could put an end to the long-standing conflict.
However, critics of the resolution point out that it clearly sides with the Palestinian Authority, ignoring security threats to Israel and its right to self-defense.
Why is the resolution controversial?
The UN resolution exacerbates tensions around key issues:
- Settlements: Israel views settlement construction as an exercise of its right to development and security, while the international community considers them illegal.
- 1967 borders: The document reiterates the importance of returning to the 1967 borders, which Israel rejects as defensible.
- The role of Jerusalem: East Jerusalem is seen by Palestinians as the capital of a future state, which Israel categorically rejects.
The role of Russia and international politics
Russia actively supported the resolution, which reflects its long-term strategy to use the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for its geopolitical purposes. By supporting Palestine, Moscow is strengthening ties with Arab countries, seeking to consolidate its influence in the region.
At the same time, such actions damage its relations with Israel, which actively cooperates with Ukraine, supporting it in the face of Russian aggression.
Ukraine: balanced position
Ukraine's abstention in voting can be interpreted as a diplomatic gesture that allows the country to maintain partnerships with Israel without entering into confrontation with Arab countries.
Ukraine, at war with Russia, is seeking to strengthen relations with democracies and avoid open conflict with Arab allies to maintain international support.
Ukraine and Israel: the importance of the union
Against the backdrop of Russian aggression, Ukraine received significant support from Israel. Friendly relations between the countries have strengthened thanks to cooperation in the military, humanitarian and technological spheres.
Ukraine's position at the UN, demonstrating balance, could be an additional step towards strengthening this partnership.
A view from the side of NAnews
Editorial NAnews – Israel News notes:
“Ukraine took a balanced position, preserving the opportunity for a constructive dialogue with Israel. Russia once again used the international arena to manipulate and undermine stability.“
The conference on the Palestinian issue is a challenge not only for Israel, but also for the international community. Whether the UN will be able to cope with the task remains questionable.
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