The adoption of the New York Declaration by the United Nations General Assembly on September 12, 2025 signifies a pivotal moment in history. By advocating for timely steps towards a two-state solution, establishing a Palestinian administration free of Hamas, and implementing an international stabilisation mission for Gaza, the resolution refocuses global attention on essential principles often overlooked: legitimacy, accountability, and human dignity.
This vote was far from merely symbolic. It passed with an overwhelming majority — 142 in favour, 10 against, and 12 abstentions. Despite significant geopolitical divides, it demonstrates that a substantial majority of states uphold the principle that international law, rather than force, should govern peace.
Importantly, the declaration aligns with a surge in the recognition of Palestine. In May 2024, Spain, Ireland, and Norway recognised Palestine, followed by Slovenia in June, with more European and G7 nations expected to do so during this General Assembly. This marks the most significant expansion of recognition since 2012. The real question is not whether Palestine will be recognised, but whether this recognition will be harnessed to build enduring peace or wasted as a transient headline.
The Case for Recognition Now
Critics argue that recognition rewards violence or undermines negotiations. The reality is the opposite. Withholding recognition for decades has neither fostered peace nor ensured security. It has entrenched asymmetry, emboldened extremists, and weakened moderates.
Recognition is not a reward for impunity; it is a prerequisite for accountability. It grounds negotiations in equality before the law. Without recognition, Palestinians remain in a political and legal limbo, invisible and vulnerable.
It also aligns with international legal mandates. The International Court of Justice has mandated measures to prevent breaches of the Genocide Convention. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for leaders from both Hamas and Israel. Recognition fortifies — not weakens — this universal rule of law.
Three Pillars for a Path Forward:
1. Legitimacy:
Diplomacy cannot be based on denial. Recognition affirms Palestinians' right to sovereignty and self-determination, reducing room for rejectionists on both sides, and establishing a legal identity that allows for credible compromises.
2. Security:
Security should not be an afterthought. A multinational mission in Gaza is crucial, but it must be robust. Rules of engagement should prioritise civilian protection, and ceasefire verification must be transparent and credible. Security must be part of a broader framework for the release of hostages and prisoners.
3. Governance
Recognition must come with a commitment to robust and sustainable governance. It is essential to ensure that Palestinian institutions effectively serve their people, maintain financial resilience, and uphold the rule of law. Preparing the ground for credible and inclusive elections is a vital milestone. Therefore, international engagement should focus on supporting institution-building, fostering transparency, and enhancing professional capacity — measures that bolster public trust and lay the foundation for lasting peace and stability.
Justice as the Path to Stability:
For Oman and the broader Gulf region, the Palestinian issue is inextricably linked to justice and humanity. The Palestinian people are deeply rooted in their land, and their right to recognition and self-determination cannot be ignored. Any international effort must prioritise the protection of civilians and the preservation of human dignity.
Moreover, the effects of prolonged conflict extend far beyond the immediate humanitarian crisis. Instability disrupts maritime routes from the Suez Canal to the Strait of Hormuz, increases energy risks, and diverts attention from national development priorities.
Oman Vision 2040, like the long-term strategies of its neighbours, relies on stability, connectivity, and trust — foundations that cannot be secured amid recurring conflicts. Therefore, recognising Palestine, coupled with stabilisation and institution-building, is more than a symbolic gesture. It is an affirmation of rightful justice and a practical step towards regional integration that benefits all: from secure energy networks and trade corridors to new opportunities for innovation and cooperation.
Addressing the Objections
Some worry that recognition "rewards terror." However, the New York Declaration explicitly condemns terrorism. Recognition empowers legitimate institutions, not militias. Others contend that recognition "pre-empts negotiations." In reality, it facilitates them. Without recognition, one party negotiates as a state while the other remains merely an entity — an imbalance that ensures failure. With recognition, both parties negotiate as equals, accountable to the law and each other.
What the UNGA Must Do:
For this momentum to continue, the General Assembly and its member states must convert words into action:
1. Link recognition with stabilisation — publish a joint plan for Gaza’s international mission, including troop contributions, civilian protection rules, and transition to the Palestinian Authority.
2. Support accountability universally — endorse ICJ and ICC processes without exception. Justice cannot be selective.
3. Deliver economic dividends — connect donor support to projects that generate jobs, enhance energy security, and foster regional integration.
4. Protect civilians immediately — fund trauma care, education, and shelter. Reconstruction cannot be delayed for treaties.
The Choice Before Us:
Recognition is not the culmination of the process — it is the starting point. It sets the stage for equal negotiations, enforces accountability, and unlocks the regional benefits of peace.
The world is now at a crossroads. We can either seize this opportunity to restore law and dignity, or we can resign ourselves to yet another generation of crises, radicalisation, and instability that defy global order.
For Oman, and for all nations dedicated to stability and prosperity, the choice is clear. Recognition today is not merely symbolic. It is the foundation of a peace that is just, sustainable and long overdue.
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