U.S. Condemns UN Vote on Palestinian Statehood
The U.S. government has criticized a recent United Nations vote that supports Palestinian statehood. On Friday, the U.N. General Assembly approved the “New York Declaration” with 142 votes in favor. The U.S. was one of ten countries that voted against it, while 12 countries chose to abstain.
Morgan Ortagus, a U.S. counselor at the U.N., expressed strong disapproval of the resolution. She said, “This resolution is a gift to Hamas.” Ortagus emphasized that the U.S. won’t participate in what she termed an affront to the victims of the October 7 attacks. She argued that the resolution only serves to prolong conflict and hinder true efforts for peace.
A White House official reinforced this sentiment, stating that recognizing a Palestinian state would reward Hamas and compromise efforts to bring hostages home.
The declaration, introduced at a U.N. conference in July, aims to outline a path to Palestinian statehood while condemning Hamas for the attacks and calling for a release of hostages. It also demands Hamas give up control of Gaza and turn over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority.
In Paris, the French Foreign Ministry praised the vote as a significant step towards peace and security in the region. They noted that it supports key principles such as an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of a viable Palestinian state. A follow-up conference is scheduled for September 22, where French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to attend.
Israel’s U.N. Ambassador, Danny Danon, dismissed the vote as mere “theater,” warning that it primarily benefits Hamas. He said, “When terrorists cheer, it shows we’re not advancing peace.”
Anne Bayefsky, a director at the Touro Institute, called the declaration a serious threat to American security and an attack on the Jewish state. She pointed out that provisions about Hamas were misleading and mentioned that the resolution undermines recent peace accords.
As discussions continue on the recognition of a Palestinian state, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans to visit Israel ahead of more U.N. meetings later this month, where other nations are expected to formally recognize Palestinian statehood.
