The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday overwhelmingly adopted the “New York Declaration,” calling for the urgent implementation of a two-state solution and the establishment of an independent and fully sovereign Palestinian state.

The resolution passed with an emphatic majority — 142 countries voted in favor, with only 12 opposing and 10 abstaining — sending a clear message to the world about the international community’s desire to end the bloodshed in Gaza and bring justice to the Palestinian people.

The declaration strongly condemns Israel’s relentless military assaults on civilians in Gaza, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, and the ongoing blockade and starvation tactics that have pushed over two million Palestinians to the brink of famine.

In addition to demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities, the declaration calls for the deployment of a temporary international stabilization mission in Gaza, authorized by the UN Security Council, to ensure the protection of civilians and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid.

The seven-page text is the result of a landmark international conference held under the auspices of the United Nations in July, co-sponsored by Saudi Arabia and France, and supported by a wide coalition of nations — including Türkiye, Qatar, Egypt, Brazil, Indonesia, Ireland, Spain, Norway, Jordan, and the Arab League. Notably, the United States and Israel boycotted the conference, underscoring their growing isolation on the issue.

While the declaration calls on Hamas to lay down arms, its primary focus remains on ending the genocide in Gaza and advancing a “just, peaceful, and lasting solution” to the Israeli occupation — a future that centers Palestinian dignity, freedom, and statehood.

Diplomats hailed the overwhelming vote as a turning point in the global consensus on Palestine. The resolution’s adoption reflects a renewed commitment by the international community to hold Israel accountable for war crimes, lift the blockade on Gaza, and end decades of occupation.

Palestinian representatives welcomed the vote, describing it as “a resounding affirmation that the world stands with Gaza and with Palestine’s right to self-determination.” (ILKHA)