UN Calls for Creation of Palestinian State
The United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution urging Israel to withdraw from occupied Palestinian territories and advocating for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. The resolution was overwhelmingly approved by a 157-8 vote, with the United States and Israel among those opposing and seven countries abstaining.
The Assembly expressed its “unwavering support, in accordance with international law, for the two-state solution of Israel and Palestine,” emphasizing that both nations should “live side by side in peace and security within recognized borders, based on the pre-1967 borders.”
Stalled Negotiations and Rising Tensions
Since October 2023, Israel and Hamas have engaged in intermittent negotiations. However, after an initial hostage release in November, progress has stalled, with both sides attributing blame to the other.
On Monday, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump took to Truth Social, demanding that all hostages be freed by the time he is sworn into office. “If my demand is not met, those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied history of the United States of America,” Trump declared.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his ministers publicly thanked Trump for his firm stance. In response, senior Hamas official Basem Naim accused Netanyahu of sabotaging efforts to secure a deal exchanging hostages for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
Airstrikes and Ceasefire Violations in Lebanon
In a separate development, Israel launched an airstrike on the southern Lebanese town of Shebaa on Tuesday, killing one person. Lebanese media described the attack as a violation of a newly reached ceasefire with Hezbollah.
Reacting to the escalating situation, the Lebanese army deployed additional soldiers to the city of Tyre and surrounding areas, intensifying their presence in southern Lebanon, particularly in border villages. The Lebanese Defense Ministry also announced a recruitment drive for new combat units.
Earlier, Israel warned that it would expand military operations to include targets linked to the Lebanese state if the ceasefire with Hezbollah collapses. The warning followed Hezbollah’s launch of two mortars into a disputed border area on Monday, accusing Israel of repeated truce violations. In retaliation, Israel conducted airstrikes on more than 20 locations across Lebanon.
Looking Ahead
The international community watches with concern as tensions escalate in the region. The UN’s call for a two-state solution underscores the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution to decades-long conflicts affecting millions of lives.
(With input from agencies)
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UN pushes for Palestinian state, Israel launches new strike on Lebanon
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