New York: The United Nations General Assembly opened in New York this week under the shadow of deepening conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, as world leaders clashed over ceasefires, recognition of Palestine, and the future role of the international body. U.S. President Donald Trump, facing growing criticism for blocking resolutions and withholding U.N. funding, is at the center of many of the debates.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in New York for an intense round of diplomacy, with at least 20 bilateral meetings scheduled, including a high-profile encounter with Trump. Zelenskyy is urging nations to strengthen sanctions against Russia, provide firm security guarantees, and maintain support for Kyiv amid ongoing drone strikes that both Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of carrying out against civilian targets.
The war in Gaza also loomed large, with France announcing its recognition of the State of Palestine and calling for a United Nations-mandated stabilization force in the territory. The move, welcomed by many Arab and European nations, signals growing momentum toward Palestinian statehood. However, Washington has resisted such proposals, insisting instead on direct negotiations and tighter security conditions, while also vetoing a U.N. Security Council resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian aid to Gaza. The U.S. veto marked the sixth time it has blocked similar resolutions since the conflict began, frustrating much of the international community.
Trump’s administration has also halted U.S. contributions to the U.N.’s regular budget, creating one of the most severe financial crises in the organization’s history. Facing shortfalls, the U.N. is weighing budget cuts, office closures, and staff reductions. Critics argue the cuts undermine the institution’s ability to respond to crises, while the White House insists that reforms are necessary to reduce waste and inefficiency.
In the General Assembly, a nonbinding resolution backing a two-state solution gained overwhelming support, underscoring the growing global divide with the United States and Israel. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, unable to attend in person due to travel delays, addressed the gathering by video link after the Assembly voted to allow the arrangement.
The debates highlighted a widening rift between Washington and many of its allies, particularly in Europe and the Arab world, over how to handle the crises in Gaza and Ukraine. While France, Saudi Arabia, and other nations prepare a joint initiative for Palestinian statehood and long-term stability in Gaza, the U.S. remains skeptical, prioritizing security concerns and maintaining a close alignment with Israel.
As world leaders take the podium in New York, the future of both wars — and the credibility of the United Nations itself hangs in the balance. For Ukraine, Zelenskyy’s meetings could determine the durability of international support, while for Palestinians, growing recognition of statehood may alter the dynamics of future negotiations. Yet with the U.S. holding a decisive veto at the Security Council and cutting financial support to the institution, the Assembly faces steep challenges in turning broad consensus into actionable solutions.