This article is published in association with United Nations.

General Assembly

‘Our Work Is Far from Done,’ Stresses Brunei Darussalam

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“The failure to implement obligations under international law and UN resolutions perpetuates a cycle of violations leading to untold suffering and violence and — ultimately — acts that have increasingly been recognized as amounting to genocide,” stated the representative of Brunei Darussalam.

Underscoring that such obligations must be honoured, she also expressed “unwavering” support for the State of Palestine to be admitted to the United Nations as a full Member State.  “This recognition,” she said, “would demonstrate not only our steadfast commitment to the two-State solution, but also reflect the global consensus toward justice and self-determination.”

She concluded:  “As we enter the eighth decade of the UN’s establishment, we must confront the harsh reality that, despite countless resolutions, meaningful progress for Palestine remains elusive — and that our work is far from done.”Jul 29, 2025  11:53 PM

General Assembly

Viet Nam’s History Offers Hope that Reconciliation, Peace Possible

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“The ongoing war in Gaza — and its broader regional implications — may make the prospect of the two-State solution seem hopeless,” observed Do Hung Viet, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam.  However, he noted that the history of his country’s relations with France and the United States “may give us some hope”.

“From bloody wars and bitter enemies, we have together built comprehensive strategic partnerships and fostered friendships that connect our peoples and our countries,” he said.  “Reconciliation is possible,” he added.

He therefore urged all parties to return to “genuine” negotiations, in accordance with international law, the Charter of the United Nations and relevant UN resolutions, to “address the root causes of the conflict and pave the way for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace”.Jul 29, 2025  11:12 PM

General Assembly

Russian Federation’s Recognition of Palestinian Statehood “Genuinely Helped” Preserve Two-State Solution, Says Deputy Foreign Minister

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Sergey Vershinin, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, recalled that the Soviet Union “was the first country to recognize Israel both de facto and de jure, establishing diplomatic relations with it almost immediately after its declaration of independence on 14 May 1948”.

At the same time, Moscow has consistently supported — and continues to support — the creation of a Palestinian State, and he noted that the State of Palestine has had an embassy in Moscow since 1990. 

He added:  “Russia’s recognition of Palestinian Statehood, like its recognition by dozens of other States, was not done for applause, but in the interest of the two-State solution — and has genuinely helped preserve it.”Jul 29, 2025  10:23 PM

General Assembly

United Arab Emirates Underlines ‘Optimal Strategic Option’ of Peace

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Spotlighting the humanitarian “catastrophe” in Gaza, Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister for State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, said that his country has been “leading international efforts to deliver life-saving aid to the Palestinian people”.  He noted that the United Arab Emirates has begun aerial aid drops in addition to land and sea convoys.

“While addressing the humanitarian situation, it is imperative to work towards an immediate ceasefire, release the hostages and prisoners and combine international efforts to stop the war in Gaza,” he went on to say.  He therefore urged the adoption of a “clear, binding and irreversible roadmap” for the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian State.

“Every day that passes without a solution deepens the wounds and distances the chances of peace,” he warned.  Stating that “the path ahead is clear”, he concluded:  “All we need now is the political courage to move towards peace as the optimal strategic option.”Jul 29, 2025  07:59 PM

General Assembly

Implementation of Two-State Solution Must Start Today, Says Estonia

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“There have been many valuable ideas on how to accelerate the implementation of the two-State solution, and we are ready to do our part — it has to start today,” said Minna Liina Lind, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Estonia.  And to materialize an independent Palestinian State, Palestinian institutions must be strengthened.

Noting that “Estonia is a long-standing supporter of the Palestinian Authority”, she pointed to cooperation in e-governance and support to build digital services.  Estonia has also advised Palestinian police, and has trained Palestinian diplomats at the Estonian School of Diplomacy.  It is also a committed donor and partner to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

“The road ahead is difficult, but the alternative — continued violence and despair — is unacceptable,” she stated, adding:  “Let us recommit ourselves to peace as a necessity.”Jul 29, 2025  07:27 PM

General Assembly

United Kingdom Will Recognize State of Palestine Unless Israel Ends ‘Appalling’ Situation in Gaza

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David Lammy, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom, said that “our history means that Britain bears a special burden of responsibility to support the two-State solution”.

Over the last year, the Government has repeatedly acted, he noted, spotlighting restored funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), suspended arms exports, considerable funding for humanitarian assistance and a “landmark agreement” with the Palestinian Authority.

Further, the United Kingdom has stood up for the independence of international courts, delivered “three sanctions packages on violent settlers”, suspended trade negotiations with the Israeli Government and “sanctioned far-right Israeli ministers for incitement”, he reported.

Yet, the situation continues to worsen.  Underscoring that the Israeli Government’s rejection of a two-State solution is “wrong” — both morally and strategically — he said that his country is determined to protect the viability of the two-State solution. 

“And so, it is with the hand of history on our shoulders that His Majesty’s Government therefore intends to recognize the State of Palestine when the UN General Assembly gathers in September here in New York,” he declared.  He added:  “We will do this unless the Israeli Government acts to end the appalling situation in Gaza, ends its military campaign and commits to a long-term sustainable peace based on a two-State solution.”Jul 29, 2025  06:39 PM

General Assembly

Djibouti Underlines States’ Duty to Support Palestinian Self-Determination

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“Security cannot be built on injustice, stability cannot be imposed by sieges,” observed Abdoulkader Houssein Omar, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Djibouti.  Rather, justice, serious negotiations and sincere policies are required to achieve peace.  He also stressed that the world cannot remain silent on what is happening in Gaza — “an inhuman tragedy of unbearable proportions, a deep wound in our universal conscience, an affront to the fundamental values on which our international order rests”.

It is long-overdue, he said, for the international community to act — “not to further its own interests or out of some calculus, but out of duty”.  He therefore urged all those yet to do so to immediately recognize the State of Palestine, “following in the footsteps of 148 States who have already done so in keeping with their duty to support the rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination”.Jul 29, 2025  06:02 PM

General Assembly

Citing National Experience, Bangladesh Calls for Immediate Implementation of Two-State Solution

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Touhid Hossain, Adviser for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Interim Government of Bangladesh, said that his country’s Constitution “commits us to stand with those who face oppression and affirms the right of peoples to self-determination”.  He added:  “From our liberation war in 1971, to the recent mass uprising in July and August last year, the people of Bangladesh always pursued the right to self-determination.”

Stressing that this legacy “shapes our empathy and enduring solidarity with the Palestinian people in their legitimate aspiration for an independent, sovereign State”, he declared:  “The implementation of the two-State solution must begin now.”

However, he acknowledged that “words alone will not heal the suffering of the Palestinian people”.  Therefore, the international community must prioritize achieving an immediate, unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and ensuring the unhindered delivery of essential supplies and services throughout the Strip.  “From this Conference, we simply cannot go back to where we were,” he concluded.Jul 29, 2025  05:39 PM

General Assembly

Palestinian Question Has Plagued World’s Collective Conscience for 80 Years, Stresses South Africa

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“There cannot be peace while the very existence of the Palestinian people is being threatened,” stressed Ronald Ozzy Lamola, Minister for International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa.  The Council must act to protect them, and further, preserving the viability of the two-State solution must include promoting full respect for international law.

He also underlined the need to implement — immediately and in full — UN resolutions and International Court of Justice advisory opinions.  “Not only Israel, but all States, must comply with our collective obligations under international law,” he underscored, emphasizing the need to “preserve the sanctity” of those rules.

Adding that “global attention is on this Conference”, he said:  “80 years since the founding of the United Nations, this is a matter that has plagued our collective conscience — the solution lies with a tangible recommitment from all of us to the values that bind us.”