Day: September 22, 2025

International Leaders Gather at the UN Amidst Gaza Conflict

The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly commenced amid escalating violence in the Gaza Strip, with over 65,344 Palestinians reported killed and more than 166,000 injured due to ongoing military actions. The assembly, themed “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights,” seeks to reaffirm global commitments to multilateralism and the push for a diplomatic resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, reports 24brussels.

Heads of state, foreign ministers, and representatives from over 30 nations assembled to discuss the situation despite a boycott by Israel and the United States. This year’s forum seeks to revitalize a global consensus advocating for a two-state solution that allows both Palestine and Israel to coexist peacefully.

During her address, General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock declared, “The message we send today is: no, we do not give up. The international community remains committed to the two-state resolve.” Her remarks underscored a collective resolve amongst many nations to push for the recognition of Palestine as an independent state.

Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian National Authority, emphasized the urgent need for international recognition of Palestinian sovereignty amidst the devastation in Gaza. He called for a halt to the violence currently engulfing the region: “We urge Israel to negotiate and put an end to the bloodshed.” His appeal received significant backing from several attending leaders advocating for a resolution that paves the way toward peace.

The event also featured remarks from key leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, who stated, “The time for peace has come, because we are about to lose the ability to achieve it.” Macron underscored the need for swift recognition of a Palestinian state as integral to a sustainable peace framework.

Brazil’s President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva strongly condemned the ongoing conflict, labeling the situation in Gaza as a “genocide.” He lamented the high toll on children and civilians, stating that Brazil believes recognizing the Palestinian state is essential for justice and peace.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez demanded immediate action from the international community to stop what he termed a “genocide” against the Palestinian people. “History will judge us… those who remained silent or looked the other way,” he asserted while advocating for Palestinian representation at the United Nations.

Echoing sentiments of support, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa reiterated his country’s recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state with full rights, emphasizing the need for international cooperation in the quest for peace and stability in the region.

The discussions at the UN mark a crucial moment for the international community as it collectively addresses the challenges facing Palestine and commits to finding a resolution that honors the rights and aspirations of both Palestinians and Israelis.