UNGA Passes Declaration on Palestine
The UN General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday endorsed by an overwhelming majority the New York Declaration on the peaceful settlement of the Palestine question and implementation of the two-State solution. A total of 142 countries supported the resolution, while 10, including Israel, the US, and Argentina, voted against, and 12 abstained.
The declaration, the outcome of a July international conference organised by France and Saudi Arabia, lays out a roadmap for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, release of hostages, creation of a sovereign Palestinian state, normalisation between Israel and Arab states, and collective security guarantees.
Israel’s Opposition
Israel strongly opposed the resolution. Ambassador Danny Danon argued that the declaration was “one-sided” and claimed it would only embolden Hamas, undermining the Assembly’s credibility.
Pakistan Welcomes Declaration
Pakistan welcomed the endorsement, calling it a “timely” step to revive peace efforts. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to a just and lasting peace. He condemned Israeli aggression in Gaza, which has killed over 64,000 Palestinians and devastated civilian infrastructure.
He also warned against Israel’s continued expansion of illegal settlements, saying such actions worsen the humanitarian crisis and jeopardise prospects for a two-State solution.
Call for Ceasefire and Humanitarian Relief
Ambassador Ahmad urged the international community to push for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, and an end to the occupation. He emphasised that commitments must translate into action to secure the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and statehood.
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