The 79th regular session of the United Nations General Assembly, which continued until September 30, 2024, took place amid escalating conflicts in the Middle East and rising risks of slipping into a wider regional war. This period was marked by the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Gaza Strip, nearing its first anniversary, alongside increased Israeli tensions on the Lebanese front and other conflicts in various countries in the region.
This situation presents a genuine test for international institutions and their ability to manage the worsening crises and ongoing armed conflicts, as well as the prospects for achieving peace and stability. This can be pursued through the active role of these institutions in prohibiting the use of force in international relations, as outlined in the United Nations Charter since its inception in 1945, a goal they have so far failed to achieve. The question of the effectiveness of these institutions and the viability of their existence is raised anew with each conflict that erupts in different geographic areas around the world, a concern that was notably present in the discussions of the current session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Atmosphere of the Meetings:
The 79th regular session of the United Nations General Assembly convened against a backdrop of regional escalation in the Middle East, which had clear implications for the arrangements, conditions, and atmosphere surrounding the United Nations meetings. This was evident in several aspects:
High Level of Representation: The current session of the United Nations General Assembly saw notable high-level representation from numerous regional and international countries involved in or concerned about the current escalation in the Middle East, particularly during the annual general debate from September 24 to 28, 2024. There was a significant presence of several heads of state and government from permanent members of the Security Council, such as the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, along with leaders from Arab and Middle Eastern countries like Jordan, Qatar, Turkey, and Iran. Additionally, key figures from the ongoing conflicts attended, especially Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Active Arab and Regional Participation: There was significant participation from Arab and regional delegations at the ministerial level and among high-ranking government officials. This was reflected in their presence at many events and meetings held alongside the current session, including the Non-Aligned Movement ministerial meeting, the annual consultative meeting of the Arab League Council at the foreign ministers’ level, and the ministerial meeting of the G20. Furthermore, there was a high-level meeting of the United Nations General Assembly focused on threats from rising sea levels, alongside a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s contact group regarding Muslims in Europe, and the annual ministerial meeting of the Group of 77 and China. These active participations helped elevate the agenda of Arab issues, particularly those related to ongoing conflicts, at discussions with foreign delegations.
Highlighting the Palestinian Issue: For the first time during this session, the Palestinian delegation participated at an official seat alongside member states, albeit as an observer. This was a result of a decision adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on May 10, which allowed Palestine to include its representatives on the list of speakers during sessions discussing Middle Eastern issues, presenting amendments and proposals without voting rights. In this context, two events focusing on the Palestinian situation were scheduled during the high-level week of the United Nations General Assembly: one addressing education in the occupied Palestinian territories and another examining opportunities and challenges in supporting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), especially in light of Israel’s recent efforts to cease its operations.
Protests Surrounding the Meetings: The issues surrounding the conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the flare-up of tensions in Lebanon, significantly influenced the protest dynamics around the United Nations General Assembly meetings this year. Dozens of protesters demonstrated against Israel outside the hotel where Netanyahu was staying, while thousands marched through the streets of Manhattan in protest of the war in Gaza and Israel’s actions in Lebanon. Additionally, hundreds called for a ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages in Gaza. Conversely, others protested the attendance of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the General Assembly meetings, demanding immediate actions against the Iranian regime.
Adoption of the “Future Charter”: The current session of the United Nations General Assembly also witnessed the launch of a summit involving heads of state and high-ranking government officials under the title “Future Summit.” This was connected to a resolution unanimously adopted by the General Assembly at the summit’s opening, which included a significant agreement known as the “Future Charter.” This is the broadest international agreement in many years, comprising two appendices: the International Digital Charter and the Declaration of Future Generations. The charter addresses various areas, including the importance of multilateralism, respect for the United Nations Charter, maintaining peace, reforming international financial institutions and the Security Council, combating climate change, disarmament, and developing artificial intelligence. Despite addressing new areas alongside long-standing issues that have been difficult to agree on for decades—aiming to ensure the operational capacity of international institutions in a changing world—the “Future Charter” remains non-binding, raising doubts about its implementation.
Attendance Messages:
The ongoing war in the Middle East has prominently featured on the agenda during the United Nations General Assembly meetings, dominating the speeches of leaders and officials from both the region and beyond. The key messages conveyed in these speeches can be summarized as follows:
1. Reforming the International System’s Institutional Framework
Numerous presidents emphasized the urgent need to reform the institutional structures of the international system, including the United Nations and the Security Council. This call arose from concerns over the diminishing effectiveness of these institutions in maintaining international peace and security and resolving conflicts. Notably, this plea received widespread support, especially from some permanent members of the Security Council, such as the United States and France. Both President Joe Biden and President Emmanuel Macron expressed their support for proposals to reform and expand the Security Council’s membership. Macron specifically highlighted the inclusion of Germany, Japan, India, and Brazil as permanent members, along with two African countries chosen to represent the continent. Furthermore, he proposed modifying the Council’s operational procedures, including restricting the veto power in cases of mass atrocities and focusing on operational decisions necessary for the maintenance of international peace and security.
These calls for reform echoed the sentiments expressed by several leaders and officials, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, as well as the presidents of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Iran, and South Africa. The UAE’s Minister of State, Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty also voiced their support, along with Brazilian President Lula da Silva, who criticized the lack of permanent representation for continents like Latin America and Africa in the Security Council as an “unacceptable reflection of colonial history.”
In this context, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas announced during his speech his intention to request the suspension of Israel’s membership in the General Assembly until it fulfills its obligations and meets the conditions of its membership acceptance, as well as implementing all United Nations resolutions. This was further supported by a decision from Arab foreign ministers during the 162nd session of the Arab League, which met on the sidelines of the General Assembly to instruct the Arab group in New York to initiate steps to freeze Israel’s participation in the General Assembly’s activities.
2. Affirmation of UN Resolutions as the Basis for Conflict Resolution
In their addresses concerning the ongoing crises in the Middle East, including the Israeli war on Gaza and the escalating situation on the Lebanese front, various leaders reiterated the importance of adhering to UN resolutions. For instance, President Biden referenced the Security Council resolution adopted last June calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, which has yet to be implemented. Similarly, President Macron stressed the need for all parties to respect their commitments along the blue line in accordance with Security Council Resolution 1701, to prevent a broader conflict between the two sides. Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan also emphasized the necessity of complying with the decisions and advisory opinions issued by the International Court of Justice, including its interim measures related to the war in Gaza.
While these references reflect the presence of UN organizations in the backdrop of conflict resolution, they simultaneously reveal a lack of effective mechanisms to enforce the will of the international community and the decisions aimed at resolving conflicts.
3. Centrality of the Gaza War and the Post-War Scenario
The Israeli war on Gaza and the future of the Palestinian cause garnered significant attention in the speeches of various Arab, regional, and international leaders during the UN General Assembly meetings. Most of these speeches underscored the need to reach a ceasefire agreement and secure the release of hostages in Gaza, establishing a foundation for a fair resolution based on the “two-state solution” in the scenarios following the war.
A notable initiative in this regard was launched by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, who proposed an “international coalition to implement the two-state solution” between Palestinians and Israelis, led by Saudi Arabia and involving Arab, Islamic, and European partners, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meetings. Bin Farhan called on all countries to join this initiative to create a reliable and irreversible path toward just and comprehensive peace.
4. Escalation of Israeli Actions Against the Lebanese Front and Fears of a Full-Scale War
In light of the intensifying situation on the Lebanese front due to Israeli escalations against Hezbollah, which led to the targeting of numerous towns and villages and resulted in hundreds of casualties and the displacement of nearly a million Lebanese, many presidents and government officials called for de-escalation and a ceasefire in their speeches.
In this context, both France and the United States proposed a 21-day truce following extensive discussions held on the sidelines of the General Assembly and bilateral meetings between the two countries’ leaders. However, Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected these efforts, asserting that Israel must defeat Hezbollah in Lebanon. This statement implied a gradual escalation by Tel Aviv, potentially leading to a ground invasion of southern Lebanon, varying in scale based on operational circumstances and Hezbollah’s response.
It is clear that Netanyahu continues to rely on military action to buy time and achieve the victory he seeks to promote domestically and to bolster his political standing. This has prompted him to open the northern front with Lebanon, as his objectives for this confrontation—returning northern residents to their homes and altering the regional balance of power—provide cover for prolonging the current war, especially given the targeted actions against Hezbollah leaders, including Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah. Moreover, the missile strikes launched by Iran against Israel on October 1st may provide Netanyahu with additional justifications for continuing and expanding his strikes against Tehran and its regional proxies. He confirmed this in his statement following the attacks, declaring, “Iran made a big mistake tonight, and it will pay the price. This applies to the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, and Syria.”
5. Criticism of Iran’s Role in the Region
Both Netanyahu and President Biden criticized Iran’s role in the region during the UN meetings, considering it a significant factor in the current escalation. For instance, Biden pointed to the “ongoing threat” posed by Iran, while Netanyahu referred to what he termed “the curse of ongoing Iranian aggression.” There was also a consensus among some European leaders regarding the US-Israeli stance on what they described as Iran’s violations of its international commitments regarding the expansion of its nuclear program and its pursuit of nuclear weapons, emphasizing the need to prevent Iran from acquiring such weapons.
In contrast, Iranian President Bezhakian sought to present a moderate reformist vision of Iran’s political system to the international community, asserting that there was no Iranian intention to engage in conflict with any country. In this context, Bezhakian indicated Tehran’s readiness to resolve the nuclear crisis with the West, stating, “We are ready to engage with participants in the 2015 nuclear agreement if the commitments of the agreement are fully implemented and in good faith. After that, we can enter discussions on other issues,” seemingly referring to Iran’s regional activities.
However, Bezhakian’s messages did not resonate positively in Tel Aviv. Netanyahu, in his speech, referred to the “tyrants of Tehran,” asserting, “If you strike us, we will strike you. There is no place in Iran that the long arm of Israel cannot reach. This applies to the entire Middle East,” calling for the re-imposition of UN sanctions against Tehran. He reiterated his preference for a military solution and rejection of a ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the need to fight until achieving “total victory.”
6. Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Uses
During the UN meetings, there was a notable emphasis among the speeches of leaders and officials regarding the applications of artificial intelligence and the necessity for regulations and frameworks to govern its use, particularly in light of the military risks associated with its applications, as highlighted by some leaders. This concern possibly stemmed from incidents involving the breaches of “pager” and “walkie-talkie” devices in Lebanon, which resulted in the deaths of at least 37 people and injuries to over 3,000 others.
In conclusion, despite the General Assembly meetings occurring against the backdrop of unprecedented escalation in the Middle East, they have not succeeded in activating their role or the decisions aimed at reducing this escalation and resolving ongoing conflicts. This underscores the urgent need for member states to reform the operational framework of international institutions and restructure their institutional arrangements, given the pace of armed conflicts and the unconventional patterns of warfare that demand institutional mechanisms and frameworks that may not be supported by the current structural arrangements of international organizations.
