UN Vote on Palestine Seen as Hollow Peace Deception

UN Photo

In a long-overdue move, the UN General Assembly voted 142–10 to approve a plan called “The New York Declaration,” aimed at reviving the long-stalled two-state solution for Palestinian independence.

Some observers view the initiative as an attempt to curtail Israel’s century-long occupation of Palestine. The declaration was proposed by France, Saudi Arabia, the UK, Canada, and others to establish a Palestinian state in the West Bank. Critics, however, call it a cruel deception.

Last year, the General Assembly demanded that Israel end its so-called “security operations” in Gaza by September 2025. Israel ignored the deadline and shows no intention of complying.

Analysts argue that creating a “virtual state” does not address the core issues. Without genuine commitments to equality and justice, such moves merely prolong the failed “peace process,” which has dragged on for decades since Oslo.

Despite frequent statements from UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemning Israel’s occupation of Gaza and the West Bank and the bombing of civilians, the declaration stops short of demanding withdrawal or an end to the war.

Instead, critics say the initiative allows Western powers and their regional partners to avoid pressing demands while continuing to arm Israel. The process, they argue, legitimises Israel’s military dominance in the region and sidelines the General Assembly’s resolutions.

“Be warned,” cautions James E. Jennings, President of Conscience International. “It is a cruel deception.”