Palestinian
Issue Takes Center Stage at 80th UN General Assembly Amid State Recognition
Momentum

New
York, 21 Sep (ONA) — The United Nations (UN) General Assembly convenes its
80th session general debate this Tuesday, with international attention firmly
focused on the Palestinian cause as numerous countries move toward recognizing
Palestinian statehood. The session will also address other pressing global
concerns.

World
leaders gathering for this session will seek solutions to worldwide challenges
under the theme ” Better
Together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,” with
aims to advance peace, security, and sustainable development.

The
session’s agenda, running from 23-29 September 2025, includes critical
discussions on implementing the two-state solution for Palestine, the
Russia-Ukraine conflict, Iran’s nuclear program, the Sudan crisis, the
situation in Syria, and U.S.-Venezuela relations within an increasingly
unstable global landscape. Additional priority topics encompass artificial
intelligence (AI) governance, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mental health
initiatives, and gender equality advancement.

Eight
decades after its establishment, the UN continues to serve as the principal
forum where nations address differences and establish common ground to shape
their collective future.

The
“Implementing the Two-State Solution” conference held in July
produced the New York Declaration, calling for practical measures to support
Palestinian statehood. This declaration has paved the way for several nations
to declare their intention to recognize Palestine during the current session.

France
has confirmed its unconditional recognition of a Palestinian state, while
multiple other countries—including Belgium, Luxembourg, Andorra, San Marino,
Canada, the United Kingdom, and Malta—have indicated similar intentions. Some
have attached conditions related to political reforms and Palestinian
elections, while others have not set preconditions.

Diplomatic
tensions arose earlier this month when the United States delayed visa issuance
for Palestinian Authority and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)
officials, resulting in the General Assembly approving arrangements for virtual
Palestinian participation in session proceedings.

These
developments, combined with the escalating situation in Gaza, Israel’s continued
challenges to international norms and human rights protocols, and the expanding
regional impact of the conflict, have stimulated fresh international and
regional initiatives to translate diplomatic statements into concrete action
through interim measures and standardized reporting mechanisms to assess
implementation progress.

The
general debate is expected to produce additional supportive positions, with
more countries likely to announce formal recognition of Palestinian statehood
based on previously stated commitments. The United Nations continues its drive
to promote peace efforts grounded in the two-state solution.

As
of early September 2025, 147 of the 193 UN member states have recognized
Palestine as a sovereign state. International attention now turns to this
significant UN session and its potential outcomes—particularly regarding peace
prospects, human rights protection, settlement activities, war violations, and
the recognition of Palestinian statehood.

—
Ends/Khalid