UN recognizes two-state solution: Palestinian state in focus!

UN recognizes two-state solution: Palestinian state in focus!

On September 12, 2025, the United Nations General Assembly adopted an explanation of the two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians with an overwhelming majority. With 142 votes in favor, 10 votes against and 12 abstentions, the so-called "New York Declaration" is regarded as a decisive step in the efforts of peace and stability in the region. Austria and Germany supported the resolution, while the United States, Hungary and the Czech Republic were right. This vote took place after an international conference in July, which was boycotted by the USA and Israel.

Among other things, the document calls for the handover of the Hamas weapons to the Palestinian Authority and a stop of military activities in the Gaza Strip. In addition, Hamas will be convicted for its terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, in which over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed and 251 hostages. According to reports, more than 64,000 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip as a result of Israeli attacks.

International support and recognition

French President Emmanuel Macron announced the official recognition of Palestine as a state. In addition, 17 other countries, including Great Britain, Canada and Brazil, have signed the document. The demand for an end to Hamas rule and the establishment of an internationally supported stabilization force in the Gaza Strip are intended to help calm the tense situation and pave the way for peace negotiations. Security guarantees for both sides are also considered necessary.

The resolution was formulated as a result of intensive diplomatic efforts, particularly through the contributions of Saudi Arabia and France. The support from the Arab Gulf states shows the broad support for the idea of ​​a Palestinian state alongside Israel. While Israel and the USA sharply criticized the document and dismissed it as one-sided, other countries saw it as a necessary step in the peace process.

Requirements and outlook

In the explanation, in particular, it is required that Israel ends its military activities in the Gaza Strip and that a ceasefire is guaranteed. The settlement activities in West Bank are also to be stopped. The aim is to sketch "tangible, temporary and irreversible steps" to coexistence, which both Israel and Palestinians have to discuss.

This new dynamic within the ONU general assembly is considered one of the first measures of her term as president, chaired by Annalena Baerbock. A meeting for Palestine's recognition is scheduled for September 22, 2025 in the run-up to the UN Generalbate and could bring further steps towards a final regulation of the conflict.

Finally, the question arises how the international community, especially the actors that are so often required, will react to this resolution. Historically, diplomatic efforts are a challenge, but the current vote could be a turning point in the negotiations.

For more information about how the UN General Assembly came to this coordination, visit the reporting on Vienna.at, ZDF today and Tagesschau.