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What has unfolded in New York City at the UN General Assembly this week is nothing short of history in the making. And this is not hyperbole — it is a statement grounded in the seismic shifts we have witnessed across diplomatic, moral and geopolitical fault lines. The momentum generated at the UNGA is not just symbolic, it is substantive and it reverberates far beyond the confines of Turtle Bay.

Yes, skeptics will argue that the resolutions passed and the statements made have not stopped the bloodshed in Gaza, nor have they forced Israel to end its illegal occupation. But to those skeptics, I offer a single word: “Yet.” Because, short of a UN Security Council resolution, which continues to be vetoed, this is one of the most significant victories for justice we have seen in recent years. It moves us a step closer to Palestinian statehood and a step away from decades of impunity.

This moment also marks a remarkable achievement for Saudi diplomacy. The Kingdom has once again demonstrated its ability to leverage its religious, political and economic stature to serve as a force for good. ������Ƶ’s quiet but firm diplomacy has helped galvanize a growing list of countries that now recognize the two-state solution as not just viable, but necessary. From Latin America to Southeast Asia, the dominoes are falling — and they are falling in favor of justice.

������Ƶ’s leadership has not only reinforced its position as a regional powerhouse, but also as a global broker of peace. The Kingdom’s ability to persuade others to come on board — through dialogue, economic partnerships and moral clarity — is a testament to its evolving role in shaping the future of the Middle East. This is not the ������Ƶ of yesterday, this is a nation that is confidently stepping into its role as a global influencer.

Equally significant is the opportunity this moment presents for former colonial powers — specifically France and the UK, the signatories of the infamous Sykes-Picot Agreement. These nations now have a chance to correct a historical wrong that has left Palestinians stateless and suffering for generations. France, in particular, has gained renewed popularity and it was telling to see how many attendees stopped President Emmanuel Macron in New York to take photos and express support. Britain, the author of the Balfour Declaration, has also come on board, signaling a long-overdue reckoning with its colonial legacy.

������Ƶ’s leadership has not only reinforced its position as a regional powerhouse, but also as a global broker of peace. 

Faisal J. Abbas | Editor-in-Chief

Of course, critics will say that Israel will now retaliate more aggressively. But let us flip the argument: until when do we continue to appease a monster? This is not a matter of opinion — it is a matter of fact. According to the UN and international law, Israel remains an illegal occupier of Palestinian land. The time for euphemisms and diplomatic hedging is over.

Others will argue that Hamas is also a monster. And they are right in their description. But let us not forget that many Arab and Muslim countries warned both the US and Israel of the consequences of the deliberate Likud policy of empowering Hamas at the expense of the Palestinian Authority. Recognizing Palestine is in no way a reward for Hamas. In fact, it undermines Hamas’ raison d’être. It emphasizes the legitimacy of the PA and, crucially, the right of Israel to exist. It is a double whammy — one that strengthens moderate voices and weakens extremism.

There are those who will say that the reality on the ground makes the two-state solution impossible. To them, I say: Thank you for your concern, but nobody ever said this was going to be easy. The last time I checked, there had never been a peace deal in history that was swift, simple and straightforward to conclude. Peace is hard. It requires courage, compromise and vision. But it is not impossible.

And yes, there is the challenge of American support for Israel. But rather than cursing the darkness, Arabs and all believers in peace and prosperity must come together and engage with Washington. This time around, we are not alone. We have the backing of many anti-genocide Jewish voices — from politicians to pop stars — who are united in their call to end the bloodshed. The moral coalition is growing and it is diverse.

We are united in the belief that two peoples can live side by side in peace and prosperity.

In conclusion, what has happened at the UNGA is not just a diplomatic milestone — it is a moral awakening. It is a reminder that history is not written by the powerful alone, but by those who dare to speak truth to power and are willing to take the long walk to freedom.

• Faisal J. Abbas is the Editor-in-Chief of Arab News. X: @FaisalJAbbas