Czechia abstains as UN endorses Israeli-Palestinian two-state resolution

The United Nations General Assembly on Friday overwhelmingly endorsed a declaration outlining steps toward a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. The resolution pass with 142 votes in favor, 10 against, and 12 abstentions—including Czechia, citing the absence of Israel’s participation in drafting the declaration.

The resolution, adopted following a July conference hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, condemns the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and calls for the disarmament of militant groups. It also reaffirms the goal of establishing a Palestinian state and endorses the right of return for Palestinian refugees.

Czech officials noted that while the declaration contained some well-intentioned goals, lasting peace requires direct negotiations between the two sides. The country emphasized its long-standing support for a negotiated two-state solution.

“It also makes some rational proposals for the future administration of the Palestinian territories," the Foreign Ministry said of the resolution. "However, the declaration was drafted without the cooperation of one of the parties, Israel, which has long been the Czech Republic's demand for any viable two-state solution.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the idea of a Palestinian state and recently announced plans to expand Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank. Czech President Petr Pavel and the Foreign Ministry had previously criticized these plans.

The resolution has drawn criticism from the United States and Israel, with both countries describing it as harmful or one-sided. U.S. diplomat Morgan Ortagus called it a “publicity stunt” that emboldens Hamas and undermines peace efforts.

Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon described the vote as theater benefiting Hamas, while French and Gulf Arab officials framed it as isolating the militant group and supporting a peaceful framework.

The conflict has continued to escalate in Gaza. The October 2023 Hamas attack killed 1,200 people in Israel and led to 251 hostages being taken. Since then, over 64,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to local health authorities, with most casualties reported to be civilians. The UN has called for immediate humanitarian relief and an end to hostilities.

Czechia’s abstention reflects its cautious approach: supporting a negotiated peace while insisting any durable solution must involve both Israel and the Palestinians at the negotiating table.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the resolution marked the first UN text condemning Hamas explicitly and called for its disarmament. The vote comes ahead of a Sept. 22 meeting of world leaders, during which Britain, France, and other countries are expected to formally recognize a Palestinian state.