The opening of the 80th United Nations General Assembly should have been a day of celebrations. Yet, in the hemicycle hosting representatives from the 193 member states and two observers, the mood is one of disheartening helplessness. The Palestinian issue dominated proceedings, while the wounds of conflict and the crisis of multilateralism loomed large. “We cannot take the easy path and simply give up. We have to choose the right path; to show the world that we can be better together,” said Assembly President Annalena Baerbock, opening the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. She recalled the promise made by the leaders of the nations on 26 June 1945 when they signed the United Nations Charter: “to show the world that we can be better together.” UN Secretary-General António Guterres recalled the origins of the organisation, noting that many of the first staff members and delegates “bore visible wounds from war”. They were not idealists, he said, but had witnessed the worst of humanity and understood that “peace is the most courageous, the most practical and the most necessary pursuit of all”. He reiterated: “The principles of the UN are under assault as never before.”
The high-level conference on the two-state solution, convened by France and Saudi Arabia, saw the conspicuous absence of both the United States and Israel. The empty chairs of the two delegations, which were shown several times on camera, were symbolic of more than just dissent; they signalled the countries’ isolationism, as both had voluntarily cut themselves off from the debate. President Emmanuel Macron announced France’s official recognition of the State of Palestine, which was met with a standing ovation from the Palestinian delegation. “We must pave the way for peace,” he said, also citing recent recognitions by Britain, Canada, Australia, Portugal, and Belgium. However, these recognitions must all be ratified before they can take effect.
Israel’s response was not long in coming. “This conference is a show”, said Ambassador Danny Danon addressing journalists during a press conference convened simultaneously. He added that the two-state solution “after 7 October is off the table.” Without providing any details, he announced measures in response to the recognitions, indicating that further information would be provided by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is set to address the General Assembly on Friday.
Mahmoud Abbas addressed the gathering via video link due to the US administration’s refusal to grant him a visa. “Our future and yours depend on peace. It’s time to end the war,” he said, addressing the Israeli people. He reiterated the Palestinian National Authority’s commitment to governing the West Bank and Gaza without Hamas, a condition set by several countries in exchange for their full support.
Secretary-General António Guterres vehemently condemned Hamas’ terrorist attacks and hostage-taking. However, he also denounced “the collective punishment of the Palestinian people, the systematic decimation of Gaza, the starvation of its population, the killing of tens of thousands of civilians — most of them women and children, and hundreds of our humanitarian workers”.
In conclusion, he remarked: “Statehood for the Palestinians is a right, not a reward. And denying statehood would be a gift to extremists everywhere.”
The Italian Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to the two-state solution. “The only viable solution to ensure a future of peace and prosperity in the Middle East.” He then quoted Pope Leo XIV, recalling his words during an audience in St Peter’s Square past June: “We must not give up hope for peace.” Guided by this hope, said Tajani, Italy is willing to support an Arab-led UN mission to reunify Gaza and the West Bank under a reformed Palestinian Authority. “A Palestinian state that recognises Israel and is recognised by Israel,” concluded Italy’s Foreign Secretary.
In a context marked by tensions and empty chairs, voices calling for diplomatic engagement and dialogue emerged once again, questioning the UN on its 80th anniversary not about its past, but about its future of peace. Today, the speeches of the various presidents will reveal the extent of their engagement and commitment to this future.
