Israel faces diplomatic backlash as UN backs Palestine two-state resolution

ISLAMABAD: In a major diplomatic blow to Israel, the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted a resolution endorsing the New York Declaration, backing a two-state solution to the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict and urging peace efforts.

The resolution, which garnered 142 votes in favor, including Pakistan’s steadfast support, calls for renewed international efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Pakistan’s firm stand on Palestine

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad delivered a forceful statement following the vote, reaffirming Islamabad’s principled position in support of Palestinian self-determination. 

Ahmad emphasized that Pakistan’s vote aligns with its longstanding commitment to justice and peace in the Middle East, grounded in international law and UN resolutions.

“Pakistan endorses the New York Declaration adopted at the recent High-Level International Conference in New York,” Ahmad said.

“This endorsement reflects our consistent commitment to the realization of a just and lasting peace through the establishment of a sovereign, viable, and contiguous State of Palestine on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.”

The ambassador strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which he said has resulted in the deaths of over 64,000 Palestinians and caused widespread destruction to civilian infrastructure including homes, schools, and hospitals. “These actions represent a grave violation of international humanitarian law and must be met with accountability,” he declared.

Ahmad also criticized Israel’s expansion of illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, describing these moves as deliberate violations of international law that undermine prospects for peace. “Such illegal unilateral actions pose an existential threat to the realization of the independent State of Palestine and endanger regional peace and security,” he warned.

Calls for immediate ceasefire

Pakistan called for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire across Gaza and all Palestinian territories, demanding unhindered humanitarian access to the suffering population.

“The occupation must end,” the Pakistani envoy insisted, describing it as the root cause of instability in the Middle East. He urged the international community to maintain a credible political horizon based on international law to achieve lasting peace.

Ahmad welcomed the recent International Conference on the Two-State Solution co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, describing it as a timely and necessary initiative to reignite global momentum for peace. He urged concrete and coordinated international actions to translate commitments into real progress toward Palestinian statehood and regional stability.

Wider UN vote and Israeli response

The resolution was adopted with 142 votes in favor, 10 against, and 12 abstentions. It called on Israel to commit to the two-state framework despite fierce opposition from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who reiterated that “there will be no Palestinian state.” In defiance, Netanyahu signed agreements expanding settlements in the West Bank, a key Palestinian claim.

Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon dismissed the resolution as “theater” and a hollow gesture that, as he described, “weakens the UN’s credibility.” The United States, Israel’s closest ally, also opposed the resolution, labeling it “misguided” and a “gift to Hamas,” warning it could undermine diplomatic efforts.

Palestinian, Arab leaders’ reactions

Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour hailed the overwhelming support as reflecting the global community’s desire for peace and urged the party opposing it to “listen to reason.” He called for an end to war and destruction, emphasizing the necessity of peaceful resolution.

The New York Declaration envisions a phased plan including a ceasefire in Gaza, the dismantling of Hamas’ control in Gaza, and the establishment of a transitional administrative committee under the Palestinian Authority. It also supports a temporary international stabilization mission to protect Palestinian civilians and provide security guarantees to both Palestine and Israel.

The declaration condemns attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians and Israeli military offensives in Gaza, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis in the region, which has worsened amid a near two-year-long conflict.

Pakistan’s robust support for the UN resolution underscores its unwavering commitment to Palestinian rights and peace in the region. 

As Israel faces mounting international diplomatic pressure and isolation over its policies in Gaza and the West Bank, the resolution signals a growing consensus among the global community for a two-state solution, even as tensions and violence continue to escalate.

The coming weeks at the UN General Assembly will likely see this issue dominate discussions, with world leaders facing increasing calls to move beyond rhetoric toward actionable peace.