Saudi Arabia Welcomes UN General Assembly’s Adoption of New York Declaration on Two-State Solution

Saudi Arabia on Friday welcomed the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the New York Declaration, a resolution reaffirming support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and calling for renewed efforts toward peace in the region.

The resolution, jointly co-sponsored by Saudi Arabia and France, passed with strong backing from the international community. A total of 142 countries voted in favor, while 10 opposed and 12 abstained.

In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the outcome highlighted global unity around the principle of establishing an independent Palestinian state. “This resolution, and the overwhelming majority from 142 nations, confirms the international consensus on moving forward toward a peaceful future in which the Palestinian people obtain their legitimate right to establish an independent state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital,” the ministry said.

The New York Declaration not only reinforced long-standing calls for a two-state solution but also directly addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The resolution condemned Hamas and its October 7 attack on Israel, urging the group to surrender control of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority. It further called on Hamas to disarm and release all hostages still in captivity.

The vote comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, with international mediators pushing for de-escalation and the resumption of peace talks. The General Assembly’s adoption of the declaration is seen as a diplomatic effort to revive momentum for negotiations that have stalled for years.

Saudi Arabia has consistently emphasized its support for Palestinian statehood as part of its broader foreign policy agenda. The Kingdom has also underscored the importance of collective international action to address humanitarian needs in Gaza and to prevent further escalation.

France, which co-sponsored the resolution, described it as an important step in reaffirming international law and the central role of the UN in advancing peace. The French Foreign Ministry noted that the declaration was designed to strike a balance by both condemning terrorism and underscoring Palestinians’ right to self-determination.

The strong support for the resolution reflects a wide international consensus, though divisions remain. The countries voting against the measure included Israel and the United States, both of which argued that the declaration failed to adequately address Israel’s security concerns.

Despite these objections, observers noted that the overwhelming support for the measure could increase diplomatic pressure on both parties to return to the negotiating table. The resolution’s passage also reinforces growing calls for a political framework to accompany ongoing ceasefire and humanitarian initiatives in Gaza.

As the conflict continues to shape regional dynamics, Saudi Arabia reiterated its position that only a just and comprehensive solution guaranteeing Palestinian statehood can secure lasting peace in the Middle East.