UNGA backs resolution for a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine

The UN General Assembly has overwhelmingly backed a resolution reviving a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.

The “New York Declaration” outlines “tangible, timebound, and irreversible steps” towards a two-state solution.

This includes Hamas freeing “all hostages”, ending its rule in Gaza and handing over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority … “in line with the objective of a sovereign and independent Palestinian State”.

The Declaration was adopted on Friday by 142 votes in favour, 10 against and 12 abstentions.

Israel and the United States voted against it, along with Argentina, Hungary, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay and Tonga.

The decision came less than 24 hours after Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there would never be a Palestinian state.