Nigeria has joined 141 other countries in endorsing the New York Declaration on a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The declaration, which aims to achieve a peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and implement a two-state solution with Israel, was adopted with 142 countries voting in favor, while 11 countries, including Israel and the United States, opposed or abstained.
The New York Declaration is the outcome of an international conference held in July at UN Headquarters, organized by France and Saudi Arabia. The conference resumed later this month, with the goal of promoting a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The declaration calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages held there, and the establishment of a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.
French Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont emphasized that the declaration provides a roadmap for achieving a two-state solution, which includes the disarmament of Hamas and its exclusion from governance in Gaza, normalization between Israel and Arab countries, and collective security guarantees. However, Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon expressed opposition to the declaration, stating that it is one-sided and will not contribute to peace.
The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, reiterated that a two-state solution is central to achieving peace in the Middle East. He stated that the implementation of a two-state solution, where two independent and sovereign states, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace and security, is crucial for regional stability.
The endorsement of the New York Declaration by the international community highlights the importance of finding a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The declaration’s adoption demonstrates a commitment to achieving a two-state solution, which is widely regarded as the most viable path to lasting peace in the region. As the international community continues to work towards a resolution, the significance of the New York Declaration lies in its potential to serve as a framework for future negotiations and peace-building efforts.