The so-called "New York declaration" aims to breathe new life into a two-state solution for the long-standing Israel-Palestine conflict. It contains a multi-step plan with the ultimate goal of an independent Palestinian state side by side with Israel.
At the same time, it is emphasized that Hamas has no place in such a solution – but must "cease its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority".
142 countries voted yes to the resolution on Friday and 10 voted no, including the USA and Israel.
The resolution also emphasizes that Hamas must release all hostages and that the UN condemns "Hamas' attacks on civilians on October 7". This is the first time the General Assembly has issued a direct condemnation of Hamas.
"Encourages Hamas"
The current Israeli government has long opposed a two-state solution. Oren Marmorstein, spokesperson for the country's foreign ministry, describes the General Assembly's decision as "shameful".
"The resolution does not promote a peace solution – on the contrary, it encourages Hamas to continue the war", he adds in a statement on X.
From the Palestinian Authority, which has limited Palestinian self-government on the occupied West Bank, there are however positive reactions.
"The resolution expresses international willingness to support our people's rights and means an important step towards stopping the occupation and allowing us to form an independent state", writes the Palestinian Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh on X.
More recognitions on the way
Hungary was the only European country to vote no to the resolution.
The Arab League has previously approved the declaration, which has also been signed by 17 UN member states.
The vote takes place at a time when several new countries, with France at the forefront, have announced that they will recognize a Palestinian state in connection with the upcoming UN summit in New York at the end of September.
After two years of war, where large parts of the Gaza Strip have been razed to the ground, while Israeli settlements are expanding on the West Bank and Israeli representatives are talking about annexation, many are warning that the prospects for an independent Palestinian state are becoming increasingly uncertain.
