What world leaders are saying about Palestine at the UN General Assembly
World leaders used a high-level conference at the United Nations on Monday, September 22 to denounce the ongoing violence in Gaza and push for urgent diplomatic and humanitarian measures.
The meeting, held on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly, gathered heads of state, senior European officials, and representatives from across the Middle East amid worsening concern over the humanitarian toll of Israel’s campaign.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez put forward two proposals: full UN membership for Palestine and immediate steps to halt the bloodshed.“Spain will adopt a plan with measures to halt the genocide in Gaza,” he said. “History will judge those who perpetrated this barbarity or remained silent. Let us side with rationality, with diplomacy.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen underscored the EU’s financial backing for Palestinian institutions.“Europe has been the lifeline of the Palestinian Authority, providing 1.6 billion euros. We will set up a dedicated instrument for Gaza's reconstruction and coordinate with other donors to relaunch the Palestinian economy,” she said.
From the Middle East, Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad bin Sultan Al Muraikhi warned that the conflict threatens the region far beyond Gaza.“Israel's military campaign targeted several countries, including Qatar, where an attack on Doha killed six civilians and violated international law. We hold the Israeli government fully responsible,” he told the gathering.
The UAE also weighed in, with Minister of State Khalifa bin Shaheen Al Marar urging a renewed push for Palestinian statehood. He called for a “clear political horizon and binding roadmap for an independent Palestinian state.”
The remarks came as several Western nations — including the UK, France, Canada, and Australia — confirmed they will formally recognise the State of Palestine.
But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the move, insisting it would endanger Israel’s survival and “reward terrorism.”
The mounting international response comes against a backdrop of severe civilian harm in Gaza. According to Palestinian health authorities, more than 60,000 people have died in the conflict, including a significant portion who are women, children, or the elderly.
Meanwhile, a new report by a UN Commission of Inquiry accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, charging that official statements and ground operations show intent to inflict life-threatening conditions on civilians. Israel has rejected the report as biased.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly opposed recent recognitions of Palestinian statehood. He insists that recognising such a state now would risk Israel’s survival and constitute a reward for terrorism. These recognitions, meanwhile, are seen by many international actors as a symbolic but crucial step to signal shifting norms.
The ongoing debates at UNGA focus on the need for a ceasefire, reconstruction aid, inclusion in governance (excluding Hamas), and setting the conditions for a viable, independent Palestinian state.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
