UN : List of 10 Countries Against the State of Palestine, Global Reactions and Stakes

The UN General Assembly on Friday, September 12, adopted the “New York Declaration” supporting a concrete trajectory toward a two-state solution. The resolution received 142 votes in favor, 10 against, and 12 abstentions.

Negative votes came from :

– the United States,

– Israel,

– Argentina,

– Hungary,

– Paraguay,

– Papua New Guinea,

– Tonga,

– Nauru,

– Palau,

– and the Federated States of Micronesia.

On the European front, Emmanuel Macron hailed an “irreversible path to peace,” highlighting the Franco-Saudi cooperation that helped bring the resolution forward.

In contrast, Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the resolution, reiterating his opposition to the creation of a Palestinian state and denouncing the vote as “counterproductive” for Israel’s security.

In Washington, the U.S. administration criticized the move, viewing it as likely to “reward Hamas” and hinder efforts to free hostages, while maintaining its stance of refusing recognition at this stage.

Riyadh, a co-sponsor of the text, underscored what it described as a “tangible, time-bound and irreversible” path toward two states, including a temporary international stabilization mechanism for Gaza and the return of a reformed Palestinian Authority.

In the United Kingdom, the Starmer government had already signaled its readiness to recognize the State of Palestine “as early as September,” provided there was a ceasefire and a resumption of a political process. This position places London among the European capitals pushing for a diplomatic breakthrough.

Why this vote matters
Despite its non-binding nature, the resolution further isolates the U.S.-Israeli duo at the General Assembly and strengthens a broad coalition—from Europe to the Gulf—around a structured roadmap: a ceasefire, the release of hostages, an expanded role for the Palestinian Authority, and an international stabilization mission.

The resolution is also expected to weigh on the calculations of capitals considering bilateral recognition of the State of Palestine in the coming weeks.

While opponents of the text fear it could create a “windfall effect” for Hamas, its supporters see it as a political lever to frame the post-war phase and re-anchor the issue within reaffirmed international law. The coming days—and the announcements expected on the sidelines of the General Assembly later in September—will reveal whether this political signal translates into enforceable decisions on the ground.