UN General Assembly adopts resolution for independent Palestinian state 

NEW YORK: The United States General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

The move is aimed at addressing the protracted Israel-Palestine conflict, with the latest escalation in violence having killed over 45,000 Palestinians by Israel.

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The resolution passed with 157 votes in favour, eight against and seven in abstentions, reflecting a huge international support for a two-state solution.

Palestine is not recognised as a sovereign state and holds observer status only at the United Nations, similar to the status of Taiwan.

The Israel-Palestine conflict has its roots in the early 20th century characterized by territorial disputes and Israeli occupation of the historically Palestinian lands.

The establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 led to the expulsion of thousands of Palestinians from their homeland.

It also led to the first Arab-Israeli War, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.

Subsequent conflicts, including the Six-Day War in 1967, saw Israel occupy the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, territories that Palestinians claim for their future state.

The newly adopted resolution is urging Israel to immediately halt its illegal settlements in the occupied territories and withdraw its military presence from Palestinian areas.

This aligns with numerous UN resolutions that have condemned the expansion of Israel’s illegal settlements, viewed as a huge barrier to peace and a violation of the international law.

An international conference was also announced for June, where discussions will focus on implementing the two-state solution and developing a roadmap for resolving the Palestinian issue.

The resolution faced stiff opposition from the United States and Israel, both of which have historically resisted international efforts perceived as ‘unfavourable’ to Israeli interests.

The US has repeatedly exercised its veto power in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to block resolutions condemning Israeli actions, particularly regarding massacres in Gaza disguised as “military operations” and the ongoing settlement expansion into the illegally-occupied West Bank.

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The pattern of vetoes has faced sharp criticism, with any arguing that it undermines the credibility of the UNSC and hampers efforts to achieve a lasting peace.