UN General Assembly Vote on Israel-Palestine Conflict

The recent overwhelming vote at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly highlighted global condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza and supported a two-state solution excluding Hamas.

• The New York Resolution
  • Moved by France, endorsed by 142 countries.
  • 10 countries, including the United States and Israel, voted against.
  • 12 countries abstained from voting.
• Upcoming Developments
  • The resolution sets the stage for a UN summit on September 22.
  • Expected recognition of the Palestinian state by allies such as France, Canada, Australia, Belgium, and Portugal.
  • The United Kingdom plans to recognize Palestine post the US President’s state visit.
  • Germany supports the resolution but not Palestinian statehood due to historical ties with Israel.

International Reactions and Geopolitical Context

Despite global condemnation, actions from Israel and the US show little sign of deterrence.

• Continued Israeli Military Actions
  • Ongoing assaults on Gaza City, with significant Palestinian displacement.
  • Illegal settlement expansions in the West Bank persist.
• International Diplomacy and Military Alliances
  • US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Israeli leaders to strengthen alliances.
  • Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation issued a mild criticism.
  • Qatar, a mediator in Israel-Hamas negotiations, is strengthening defense ties with the US.

Global Geopolitical Realpolitik

The document underscores the shift in global power dynamics and economic interdependence.

• Oil Embargo and Economic Power
  • In the 1970s, Arab nations used oil embargoes to wield power.
  • The US, now self-sufficient in oil, dominates global military supplies.
• US Military Influence
  • The US provides 70% of Israel’s arms imports.
  • Key arms supplier to countries like Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE.
• American Support and Policy Implications
  • US support is compared to its historical stance with apartheid South Africa.
  • Growing radicalization in Israel under Netanyahu’s leadership suggests unchanged policies.
  • Without realistic coexistence policies, Israel may not achieve lasting peace.