UN General Assembly Approves Palestinian Statehood Resolution, US Opposes as Hamas Reward

The United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly passed the New York Declaration, a resolution supporting Palestinian statehood and condemning Hamas for the October 7 attacks, with 142 countries voting in favor. The resolution calls for the disarmament of Hamas, the transfer of Gaza control to the Palestinian Authority, and a framework towards a two-state solution, which many see as a historic step toward peace. However, the United States, along with Israel, Argentina, and Hungary, strongly opposed the resolution, labeling it a "gift to Hamas" and an insult to victims, warning it could prolong the Gaza conflict and hinder hostage negotiations. The US criticized the resolution for potentially rewarding terrorism and undermining diplomatic efforts, with UN Counselor Morgan Ortagus pledging continued US leadership in seeking real-world peace solutions. Britain is also poised to recognize Palestinian statehood, a move criticized domestically for potentially encouraging Hamas violence and anti-Semitism, reflecting broader international divisions on the issue. The resolution has deepened Israel's diplomatic isolation and highlighted the contrasting international approaches to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.