UN Approves “New York Declaration” Regarding “Formation of Palestinian State Without Hamas”

The United Nations approved a statement titled “New York Declaration” regarding “the formation of a Palestinian state without Hamas.”

The New York Declaration and the resolution on forming a Palestinian state without Hamas were approved with the decisive support of the UN General Assembly.

The UN General Assembly, with a decisive majority of member states, approved a historic resolution titled “New York Declaration,” a text that paves the way for the formation of a Palestinian state without Hamas. This resolution was approved on Friday, September 12, corresponding to September 21 on the Persian calendar, with 142 votes in favor, 10 votes against, and 12 abstentions in New York.

This seven-page document is the result of an international conference held in July jointly hosted by Saudi Arabia and France, and it emphasizes the two-state solution. In part of the resolution’s text, it states: “Hamas must cease its administration of the Gaza Strip and hand over its weapons to Palestinian self-governing institutions, with the support and cooperation of the international community, with the aim of establishing an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.”

While condemning the October 7 attacks against Israeli civilians, this declaration has called for the immediate release of all remaining hostages in Gaza. Jean-Noël Barrot, France’s Foreign Minister, described the approval of this resolution as the international isolation of Hamas. Additionally, Emmanuel Macron, President of France, stated after the vote: “Together, we are charting an irreversible path toward peace.”

In addition to emphasizing the demilitarization of Gaza, the aforementioned resolution proposes the deployment of a temporary international mission with the presence of countries from the Arab world and Europe. This mission is intended to establish stability in the region and, after the cessation of hostilities, transfer security responsibilities to Palestinian self-governing institutions.

In another section of the text, Israeli attacks against civilians and vital infrastructure in Gaza have been condemned. This declaration emphasizes that these actions have led to a blockade, famine, and a serious humanitarian catastrophe among civilians.

It has also been decided that a summit of world leaders will be held on September 22. Emmanuel Macron will chair this summit, and Muhammad bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, is likely to speak virtually. Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian self-governing administration, will also participate via videoconference due to the United States’ refusal to issue him a visa.

Meanwhile, numerous countries including Britain, Canada, Australia, Belgium, Portugal, and Malta intend to follow France in officially recognizing the state of Palestine. Some others, such as Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand, are still reviewing the matter.

Despite widespread international reception, the United States and Israel have announced serious opposition. Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, is set to travel to Israel to emphasize Washington’s anti-Palestinian positions. Israel has also threatened to annex parts of the West Bank and even restrict diplomatic relations with France.

Nevertheless, analysts believe that the approval of the “New York Declaration” constitutes an important step in the isolation of Israel and legitimizing the two-state solution.