UN to hold conference on two-state solution

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has approved a resolution to organize a high-level conference aimed at advancing a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.

The 193-member body adopted the draft resolution, introduced by Senegal and co-sponsored by several nations, including Turkey, with 157 votes in favor, 8 against, and 7 abstentions.

The resolution mandates the conference, titled the “High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Resolution of the Palestinian Question and the Two-State Solution,” to take place in New York from June 2 to 4, 2025. It calls for the adoption of a final declaration outlining a roadmap to resolve the Palestinian issue peacefully and establish a two-state framework.

The resolution emphasizes resuming negotiations on the final status of the Middle East peace process, holding a separate peace conference in Moscow, and reaffirming Israel’s obligations under international law and previous agreements.

It demands that Israel, as the occupying power, immediately cease settlement activities, evacuate settlers from the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and halt demographic and territorial changes in East Jerusalem, Gaza, and other areas.

The resolution reiterates the illegality of acquiring land by force and highlights how such actions undermine a two-state solution. Additionally, it calls for an immediate cessation of violence, including military attacks, destruction, and terrorism.

The UN also urged its members to continue providing economic, humanitarian, and technical assistance to the Palestinian people and the Palestinian Authority, emphasizing the dire situation in Gaza.

Citing the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the resolution reaffirmed Israel’s obligation to “fully compensate” for damages caused by its unlawful acts.

Resolution on the Golan Heights

Separately, the General Assembly adopted a resolution demanding Israel’s withdrawal from the occupied Golan Heights, with 97 votes in favor, 8 against, and 64 abstentions. This resolution, sponsored by countries including Egypt, Lebanon, and South Africa, stresses that territorial acquisition by force violates international law and the UN Charter.

The document denounces Israel’s settlement activities in the Golan Heights as illegal and highlights its failure to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 497, adopted in 1981. The resolution asserts that Israel’s continued occupation constitutes de facto annexation and impedes comprehensive peace in the region.

The General Assembly urged Israel to resume negotiations with Syria and Lebanon and reiterated the demand for its withdrawal from the Golan Heights under relevant UN Security Council resolutions. It also expressed concern over the stalled Syrian peace process and called for its revival.