On Sept. 22, the United Nations met at the New York Headquarters for its 80th Session and its 80th year anniversary.
Out of the 193 state members, the sovereign state of Israel is a full member. The state of Palestine is considered an observer state, which is allowed presence during proceedings but no voting rights in the UN General Assembly (UNGA).
The week of this anniversary held various meetings such as that of the Security Council and UN Peacebuilding Meeting. It also served as a platform for almost all of the world to see the moves in regard to rising international tension for the Israel-Hamas conflict.
U.S. immigration allegedly denied granting visas to the Palestinian representatives that were supposed to attend the UNGA. Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian Authority addressed the UN Hall via video.
Many states before or during the UNGA worked to recognize the Palestinian state in the name of their respective countries. From these there was the U.K., France, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Canada and Portugal.
Video clips have been roaming the internet of diplomats standing and leaving the room when the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rose to speak. Others whistled and booed their dismay as he spoke, and very few states remained seated in the emptying assembly hall.
He addresses the new recognition of Palestine as a “disgraceful decision” that “will encourage terrorism against Jews and against innocent people everywhere.”
According to BBC, he also labeled it as a “mark of shame” and that will send the message that “murdering Jews pays off.”
In turn, many have called his speech, which he broadcasted via massive speakers set up in the entire border of the Gaza strip, a promise to “finish the job” and end the conflict once and for all.
“A moment of defiance – an Israeli leader standing tall against a hostile world and unflinching in the face of walkouts by dozens of delegates. For others, it was a performance that hardened Israel’s growing isolation and failed to offer a vision that could win allies or relieve Israel of its burdens,” The Jerusalem Post reported.
Abbas recognized and thanked the nations that have chosen to speak out and stand with Palestinians. He invited the remaining states to do the same and argued that though it has increased the morale of Palestinians hope in the international community, he hopes it pushes states to do more and help end the conflict.
Both leaders, though currently at very opposing sides, have clearly shown their wish to end the war between Israel and Hamas. The leaders and their populations, in any conflict, have grown weary with the incessant news of few improvements.
With the raised attention after the public protests both inside and outside the New York UN Headquarters building, multiple different nations showcasing their support for both sides and population safety growing more and more precarious, tensions are rising and the call for peace has never been more needed.
