Watch this Week’s Conversation
Before you read on, we encourage you to watch the video with Andrew Tucker outside the Peace Palace in The Hague. His on-the-ground perspective helps make sense of what’s coming at the UN in New York.
Why The Hague matters this week
Andrew begins at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for a reason. In 2024, the ICJ issued an advisory opinion asserting Israel’s presence in the “occupied Palestinian territories” is unlawful and should end “as rapidly as possible.” The UN General Assembly then pressed for a September 2025 timeline. That legal and political drumbeat is shaping the agenda as leaders gather in New York.
What to expect at the UN General Assembly
France and Saudi Arabia are hosting a side conference on Monday, reportedly pushing recognition of a Palestinian state and a two-state framework. Not every nation will attend, but their statement will feed back into the General Assembly debates. Andrew’s concern: this route sidesteps the Oslo process, where Israelis and Palestinians were meant to negotiate directly. Recognition without agreement rewards avoidance—and hardens positions.
Recognition vs. reality on the ground
Will recognition change facts on the ground? Andrew says no. Israel is fighting an existential war on multiple fronts—Gaza, Lebanon, and threats from Syria. A declaration won’t create functioning institutions or security. Without credible governance and guarantees, it risks emboldening Hamas and Iran’s wider network, signaling that terror can shift international opinion.
Can the UN guarantee peace?
History doesn’t inspire confidence. From UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon (UNIFIL) to earlier promises around 1967, Andrew notes repeated failures to prevent armed buildup or protect Israel’s borders. Words matter—they set the political climate—but they don’t substitute for security. And tellingly, he says, the UN debate advances without a non-negotiable first step: releasing the hostages.
Other flashpoints to watch
While heads of state deliver set-piece speeches this week, substantive negotiations follow. Expect three files to loom large:
- Russia–Ukraine: ongoing war management and humanitarian fallout.
- Iran: Europe’s E3 (France, UK, Germany) triggered the JCPOA “snapback” to restore UN sanctions after Iranian breaches. If sanctions lapse, preventing a nuclear weapon becomes far harder.
- Terror finance and proxies: The IRGC’s reach—from the Houthis to Hamas and plots in Europe—remains a live security concern.
Why this matters to Christians
For those who love Israel and seek peace, these meetings are not just headlines; they shape real lives. Recognition without agreement could entrench conflict, sideline moderate voices, and invite more pressure on Israel while hostages remain in captivity. At the same time, principled diplomacy—especially on Iran—can restrain violence and save lives.
How we can respond
- Stay informed: Don’t just read the resolutions; note who guarantees security, governance, and the hostages’ release.
- Encourage leaders: Write respectfully to representatives, asking them to insist on direct negotiations, verifiable security arrangements, and the immediate release of all hostages as a baseline for any diplomatic step.
- Stand with truth: Challenge lazy narratives that erase context or reward terror.
A call to prayer
Since the conversation itself ends in prayer, let’s pray accordingly:
- For leaders in New York: “Lord, grant wisdom, courage, and clarity. Turn hearts toward justice and truth.”
- For Israel’s safety: Protection on every border, restraint joined to resolve, and wise counsel for decision-makers.
- For the hostages and their families: Swift release, healing, and comfort.
- For the judges and diplomats in The Hague: Integrity, fairness, and an end to lawfare.
- For true peace: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Psalm 122:6) and for a just future for Israelis and Palestinians alike.