Highlights:
India joined 142 countries on Friday (12) in supporting the New York Declaration, a powerful UN resolution affirming the creation of an independent Palestinian state and urgent steps for peace in Gaza. The motion, passed at the UN General Assembly, marks another milestone in India’s decades-long support for Palestinian statehood; it was the first non-Arab country to officially recognize Palestine in 1988.
What the UN declaration calls for
The declaration, officially titled "The New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution," calls for immediate action to end the war in Gaza and jumpstart the long-stalled path to the two-state solution. Of 193 UN members, 142 voted in favor, 10 against (including Israel and the US), and 12 abstained.
Drafted with input from France and Saudi Arabia and co-endorsed by the Arab League, the resolution:
- Condemns Hamas for its deadly attacks on Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023, urges Hamas to release hostages, and demands it relinquish control over Gaza in favor of the Palestinian Authority with international support.
- Censures Israel for civilian casualties, the siege of Gaza, and settlement activities, urging a halt to annexation and immediate commitment to a two-state solution.
- Restates support for the right of Palestinians to self-determination and insists Gaza be unified with the West Bank, reiterating calls for an end to occupation and forced displacement.
- Proposes an international stabilization mission in Gaza, under UN Security Council authority, to protect civilians and help transfer governance to the Palestinian Authority.
India’s enduring support for Palestine
India’s representative joined the overwhelming majority in the UN vote, reaffirming New Delhi’s historical stance. Since 1988, India has consistently supported Palestinian statehood and called for peaceful negotiations. The latest vote signals strong support for both a peaceful settlement and a future sovereign, viable Palestinian nation alongside Israel.
Broader global consensus—and dissent
The declaration carries special weight as it arrives before an important UN summit in New York on September 22, expected to see France formally recognize Palestine—with other leaders likely to follow. Analysts believe the resolution’s explicit condemnation of Hamas and detailed language gives countries like India and France additional diplomatic leverage, helping shield them from Israeli criticism.
Despite the broad support, Israel and the US strongly opposed the measure. Israel decried the vote as encouraging terrorism and hurting prospects for true peace. The US called the resolution “misguided,” arguing that it would prolong the war in Gaza and embolden Hamas rather than drive a diplomatic resolution.
What happens next?
The resolution’s demands—ending war in Gaza, withdrawal of Israeli forces, disarmament and withdrawal of Hamas, and unconditional support for a two-state solution—are now central to ongoing negotiations and international pressure on both parties. The document also lays out the expectation of a temporary peacekeeping force in Gaza pending full transition of authority to the Palestinian leadership.
As even more countries consider formal recognition of Palestinian statehood, the UN’s New York Declaration sets the stage for renewed global diplomatic efforts to end bloodshed and finally deliver a just, lasting two-state solution.
