Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Sep 13: The United States has sharply criticised a United Nations General Assembly resolution supporting Palestinian statehood, calling it a threat to peace and a reward for Hamas. The resolution, known as the New York Declaration, was passed with overwhelming support — 142 countries voted in favour, 10 against, and 12 abstained. India joined the majority in backing the measure, while the US stood alongside Israel, Argentina, and Hungary in opposition.
US UN Counselor Morgan Ortagus strongly denounced the declaration during Friday’s session, calling it “a gift to Hamas” and “an insult to the victims of October 7.” Speaking before the General Assembly, Ortagus warned that the move would derail negotiations, extend the war in Gaza, and hamper ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages.
“The United States will not participate in this insult to the victims of Oct. 7, but we will continue to lead real-world efforts to end the fighting and to deliver a permanent peace,” she said. “This resolution rewards Hamas, drags out the war, and undercuts the very diplomatic efforts needed to resolve the conflict.”
The resolution, which had been under discussion since a July UN conference, was spearheaded by France and Saudi Arabia. It lays out a framework for what its authors describe as an “irreversible” path to Palestinian statehood. The text includes strong language condemning Hamas for the October 7 attacks on Israel, demands the unconditional release of hostages, and calls on Hamas to disarm and relinquish control of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority.
Supporters of the resolution see it as a significant diplomatic step toward reviving the stalled two-state solution. The French Foreign Ministry welcomed the outcome, calling the vote “historic” and stating that it reflected the international community’s shared determination to advance peace and security in the region.
The declaration also calls for a unified effort to end the war in Gaza and promote a comprehensive political settlement that ensures long-term peace and security for both Palestinians and Israelis.
India’s vote in favour aligns it with a bloc of countries advocating for the two-state solution and a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict. While India has traditionally maintained a balanced approach to the Israeli-Palestinian issue, its support for the resolution underscores a broader commitment to multilateral peace frameworks.
The vote comes at a time of renewed global focus on Gaza, following the devastating violence triggered by the October 7 Hamas attacks and subsequent Israeli military operations. The future of the resolution’s implementation remains uncertain, particularly with the US signalling firm opposition and warning that it could further complicate on-the-ground efforts.