The UN General Assembly has urged Israel to withdraw from the occupied Palestinian territories and reignite efforts for a two-state solution. During a session on Tuesday, the assembly announced plans for an international conference in June 2025 to address the issue.
In a resolution passed by a 157-8 vote, the assembly reiterated its support for a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders. The resolution emphasized the need for both states to live peacefully within recognized borders, highlighting the international community’s commitment to achieving this goal.
Key Highlights of the Resolution
- A high-level international meeting is scheduled for June 2025 in New York, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, to revitalize diplomatic efforts.
- The resolution calls for the realization of the Palestinian people’s rights, including self-determination and an independent state.
- The UN continues to consider the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip as unlawfully occupied by Israel, despite Israel’s 2005 withdrawal from Gaza.
International Support and Ongoing Concerns
Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour stressed the importance of resolving the issue, stating that it remains a critical test of the UN’s credibility and the authority of international law. The resolution also refers to past rulings by the International Court of Justice, urging Israel to end its “unlawful presence” in the occupied territories and halt settlement expansion.
The General Assembly’s decision echoes its historical involvement in the matter, dating back to the 1947 resolution that proposed dividing British-ruled Palestine into separate Arab and Jewish states. While Israel declared independence in 1948, the vision of two states remains unrealized due to ongoing conflicts.
