This week, the UN General Assembly voted on a declaration supporting the creation of the State of Palestine. 143 countries, including Ukraine, supported the resolution, while Israel and the United States abstained. The issue has long been at the forefront of international relations, now gaining renewed momentum.
Ukraine has traditionally advocated for a two-state solution — recognizing both Israel and Palestine. Ukraine's vote in favor of the UN resolution aligns with its strategic policy of maintaining a regional balance in the Middle East. Recent events, particularly the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, reignited debate and contributed to the resolution's adoption.
Following the attacks, Israel initiated a large-scale military response, aiming to eliminate Hamas completely. However, this led to humanitarian problems in the Gaza Strip, including civilian casualties, infrastructure destruction, and food shortages. The international community calls for adherence to international law and the protection of civilians.
Another relevant aspect is the growing political support for recognizing Palestine as a state. France and several European countries are advocating for international conferences and official recognition of Palestine.
The conflict is complicated by the involvement of external actors such as Iran, which supports Hamas, plus the complex relationships between Israel, Palestine, and the Arab world. Ukraine favors a resolution based on the two-state principle, maintaining diplomatic relations with both sides.
Experts emphasize that current decisions will impact both the Middle East situation and Ukraine's international standing. The further course of events will depend on implementing international decisions and balancing the interests of the region's key players.
