The United Nations General Assembly approved a resolution recognizing an independent State of Palestine, condemning Hamas’ attacks on civilians and calling for the release of hostages, while urging action to end the war in Gaza and achieve a two-state solution.

The Assembly on Friday voted to endorse the New York Declaration on implementing a two-state solution, with 142 votes in favor, 10 against, and 12 abstentions.

UN Condemns Hamas Attacks, Calls for Hostage Release

According to the resolution, the Assembly condemns “the attacks committed by Hamas against civilians on 7 October” and emphasized that “Hamas must free all hostages.”

Call for Collective Action to End Gaza Conflict

The declaration called for “collective action” to end the war in Gaza and achieve a just, peaceful, and lasting two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It added that “In the context of ending the war in Gaza, Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, with international engagement and support, in line with the objective of a sovereign and independent Palestinian State.”

Palestinian Leadership Welcomes Resolution

Palestinian Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh welcomed the adoption of the declaration, stating, “I hail the adoption of the resolution by the General Assembly of the United Nations. This resolution expresses international willingness to support our people's rights and constitutes an important step towards ending the occupation and achieving our independent state on the 1967 borders, with (Israeli-annexed) East Jerusalem as its capital.”

Israel and U.S. Condemn Resolution

Israel condemned the move. Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein highlighted that Israel “utterly rejects” the declaration and stressed that “The resolution does not advance a solution of peace — on the contrary, it encourages Hamas to continue the war.”

The United States also opposed the resolution, calling it “a misguided and ill-timed publicity stunt” that “undermines serious diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. Make no mistake — this resolution is a gift to Hamas.”

The United States Mission to the United Nations added in a statement: “Far from promoting peace, the conference has already prolonged the war, emboldened Hamas, and harmed the prospects of peace in both the short and long term.”

Upcoming UN Summit to Address Palestinian Recognition

The General Assembly vote comes ahead of an upcoming UN summit in New York on 22 September, co-chaired by Riyadh and Paris. French President Emmanuel Macron has promised to formally recognize the Palestinian state at the summit, while other countries, including Canada, have indicated plans to do the same.