142 nations back New York Declaration, while only 10 oppose and 12 abstain.
The United Nations General Assembly has overwhelmingly approved a resolution endorsing the creation of an independent Palestinian state. While 142 countries voted in favor, only 10 opposed and 12 abstained, highlighting sharp geopolitical divides.
The Resolution: New York Declaration
Adopted on 12 September 2025, the resolution—formally called the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and Implementation of the Two-State Solution—was spearheaded by France and Saudi Arabia. It outlines a roadmap that includes an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, the disarmament of Hamas, and eventual establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres underscored the urgency of the two-state solution, calling it the “central question for peace in the Middle East.”
Countries That Rejected the Resolution
Despite broad support, 10 countries voted against the declaration. These include:
- Israel
- United States
- Argentina
- Paraguay
- Hungary
- Papua New Guinea
- Micronesia
- Palau
- Tonga
- Nauru
Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, criticized the resolution as a “hollow gesture” that benefits Hamas rather than peace efforts. The United States, Israel’s key ally, also rejected the motion.
Abstentions and Regional Dynamics
Twelve countries abstained, including Albania, Czech Republic, Ethiopia, Ecuador, South Sudan, and Fiji. The mixed responses reveal deep divisions within regions: while Indonesia, Malaysia, and Japan voted in favor, Papua New Guinea stood out as Southeast Asia’s sole rejection, aligning with several Pacific island states.
Reactions From Proponents
Supporters argue the resolution reflects international consensus on the two-state solution. France’s UN envoy Jérôme Bonnafont stressed that the declaration offers a “concrete roadmap” for peace, while Saudi Arabia emphasized the importance of Arab-Israeli normalization alongside Palestinian sovereignty.
Israel’s Defiance
Just hours before the vote, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the idea of Palestinian statehood. His government insists that recognition of Palestine legitimizes Hamas and undermines Israel’s security.
A Divided Global Stage
While largely symbolic, the resolution reinforces political momentum for Palestinian recognition at a time of escalating conflict in Gaza. For Indonesia and its neighbors, the vote underscores both solidarity with Palestine and the diplomatic fault lines across Asia-Pacific, particularly with Papua New Guinea siding against the majority.
The UN General Assembly’s resounding support for Palestinian statehood reflects mounting international pressure for a two-state solution, even as Israel and its allies remain firmly opposed. With 142 nations in favor and only 10 against, the vote highlights growing global impatience for peace in the Middle East and exposes regional rifts that extend as far as Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
Sources: CNBC Indonesia (2025) , CNN Indonesia (2025)
Keywords: United Nations, Palestinian Statehood, Two-State Solution, Israel Palestine, UN General Assembly, New York Declaration
