Decisions made in relation to Gaza and Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly over the next few weeks will serve as a marker of the international community’s credibility and humanity, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson.
Senator Stephenson said:
“With the Trump administration’s refusal to grant visas to the Palestinian delegation – including Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas – the UNGA has not got off to a promising start today.
“This deeply cynical move by Washington raises questions about the appropriateness of New York being the home of the General Assembly in the future.
“At a time when we are seeing genocide, forced starvation and the mass displacement of the Gazan population at the hands of Israel, it is more important than ever for Palestinian voices to be heard at the UNGA.
“With several countries – including France, Belgium, Australia, Canada and Portugal – all indicating they will recognise Palestinian statehood at the UNGA – this is a pivotal time for the international community. Decisions made in the coming weeks will provide member states with an opportunity to show compassion, humanity and a commitment to a two-state solution to end this decades-long conflict.
“Ireland must also call on member states to invoke the Uniting for Peace Resolution, which will allow the assembly to take action on Gaza by bypassing any potential veto at the UN Security Council.”
September 9, 2025