The UN General Assembly approved a resolution on “supporting the independence of Palestine without ‘Hamas'” and calling for the release of hostages.

The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on the Palestinian state

On September 12, 2023, the UN General Assembly approved a resolution supporting the New York Declaration. This document was developed at the initiative of France and Saudi Arabia and contains principles for a peaceful settlement in the Middle East, based on the creation of an independent Palestinian state without the influence of “Hamas,” recognized as a terrorist organization in the US and EU.

Composition of voters

Although General Assembly resolutions are not binding, they reflect the balance of power within the organization. The document was supported by 142 countries, with 10 voting against. Among the supporters were most EU countries (and Ukraine), the United Kingdom, and many Arab states. Israel, the US, Hungary, and Argentina voted against the resolution. Iran abstained from voting, and some countries, such as Moldova and the Czech Republic, also chose this option.

Content of the resolution

The resolution condemns the “Hamas” attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and calls for the release of hostages. It emphasizes the need to end “Hamas” governance of Gaza and transfer power to the Palestinian Authority with the support of the international community.

Reaction of Israel and other countries

Israel expressed disagreement with the resolution, as it implies the creation of an independent Palestinian state as a logical outcome of the conflict, which contradicts the country’s official position. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated the absence of conditions for the formation of such a state on September 11. Furthermore, the Israeli government views the intentions of several countries to recognize Palestine as a phenomenon that encourages “Hamas.”

Prospects for recognizing Palestinian independence

It is expected that at the end of September, a number of countries, including France, will recognize the “independence of Palestine.” At the same time, the necessity of demilitarizing the new country and establishing peaceful coexistence with Israel, excluding “Hamas” from governance, is emphasized.

The theme of the war in the Gaza Strip and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict will significantly influence the upcoming session of the UN General Assembly, where leaders of many countries will gather to discuss current issues in the region.