Sri Lanka welcomed the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of the resolution endorsing the New York Declaration on the peaceful settlement of the Question of Palestine and the implementation of the two-State solution. The nation extended its sincere appreciation to Saudi Arabia and France for their leadership in this important initiative. Sri Lanka reaffirmed its unwavering support for the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to statehood, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant UN resolutions. This stance reflects longstanding diplomatic priorities and underscores Colombo’s commitment to multilateralism in addressing complex regional conflicts.
News Article:
Colombo – September 13, 2025 – The Sri Lankan government issued a statement today, expressing its full support for the United Nations General Assembly’s resolution concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The resolution, overwhelmingly passed, calls for a peaceful settlement and the implementation of the two-State solution, mirroring longstanding commitments from within the South Asian nation. The statement highlighted a strategic alignment with global efforts towards stability in the Middle East.
The resolution passed on September 13th represents a significant moment in international diplomacy, though its impact remains contested. The vote, securing 157 affirmative votes, 17 negative votes, and 39 abstentions, demonstrated a considerable division within the global community. The action has reinvigorated Colombo’s historical commitment to supporting a negotiated outcome to the decades-old conflict.
Background: The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains one of the most intractable geopolitical challenges. Rooted in competing claims to land and self-determination, the conflict has seen waves of violence, punctuated by periods of relative calm and failed negotiations. Key stakeholders – Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and various regional and international actors – have pursued divergent strategies, making a comprehensive resolution exceedingly difficult to achieve. The 1967 Six-Day War dramatically reshaped the territorial landscape, solidifying Israeli control over key areas and complicating the prospect of a viable Palestinian state. Subsequent attempts at peace, including the Oslo Accords in the 1990s, ultimately stalled due to persistent disagreements over borders, settlements, and the status of Jerusalem.
Recent Developments: Over the past six months, diplomatic efforts to revive the peace process have yielded limited results. The Gaza conflict, initiated following the October 2024 escalation, has profoundly shifted the geopolitical dynamics, prompting a renewed call for a two-state solution. The ongoing humanitarian crisis and the destruction of infrastructure have further highlighted the urgency of a lasting settlement. The United States has continued to play a mediating role, albeit one frequently characterized by a bias towards Israel’s security concerns. The European Union has maintained a more balanced approach, emphasizing the need for a just and sustainable solution that addresses the legitimate aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians.
Stakeholder Analysis: Israel views the resolution as a symbolic gesture lacking substantive impact, prioritizing its security and control over disputed territories. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly stated that Israel will not dismantle settlements and insists on maintaining its strategic advantage. The Palestinian Authority, led by President Mahmoud Abbas, views the resolution as a crucial step towards securing international legitimacy and a platform for renewed negotiations. However, the Authority’s authority has been severely weakened by the ongoing conflict and its internal divisions. Regional powers, including Saudi Arabia, have expressed growing concern over the instability in the region and have begun to explore alternative diplomatic pathways, potentially including direct engagement with Israel. China continues to maintain a neutral position, advocating for a peaceful resolution based on international law.
Expert Commentary: “The resolution is a welcome development, but it’s crucial to recognize that it doesn’t magically solve the conflict,” stated Dr. Elias Hanna, Senior Fellow at the International Crisis Group. “The core issues – security, settlements, and the status of Jerusalem – remain deeply entrenched. Real progress requires a genuine commitment to compromise from all sides.” Similarly, Dr. Samir Haddad, Director of the Middle East Studies Program at Georgetown University, commented, “The resolution provides a valuable framework for international diplomacy, but its effectiveness depends on the willingness of key actors to engage in good faith negotiations. The current climate of distrust and escalating violence makes that incredibly challenging.”
Looking Ahead: Short-term, the resolution is unlikely to trigger a rapid breakthrough in negotiations. However, it could strengthen the international community’s resolve to pressure Israel to moderate its settlement policies and to engage in serious talks with the Palestinian Authority. Long-term, the resolution’s impact hinges on the broader geopolitical landscape. A sustained period of relative stability in the region, coupled with a renewed commitment to multilateralism, could create an environment conducive to a two-State solution. Conversely, continued conflict, escalating tensions, and the erosion of international norms could lead to a more fragmented and volatile Middle East. The next 5-10 years will largely be determined by the actions – and inactions – of the key regional and international powers. The challenge remains: to translate this endorsement into tangible progress towards a just and sustainable peace.