The United Nations, established in 1945 to promote peace and cooperation, is grappling with significant challenges as world leaders gather for the UN General Assembly this weekend. One of the UN's earliest actions in 1947 was to propose the creation of independent Jewish and Arab states in Palestine. However, the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises in Gaza and the West Bank highlight the shortcomings of this plan.

The UN has struggled to address the escalating violence against Palestinians in Gaza and Israel's continued expansion into the West Bank. These actions have further complicated the situation, as they encroach on land designated for Palestinians. Israel has long criticized the UN, claiming bias due to the influence of Arab nations within the organization. In a dramatic protest last year, the Israeli ambassador to the UN shredded a copy of the UN charter, labeling the organization a "terror organization."

Recent Israeli airstrikes have targeted the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in Gaza, with Israel accusing the agency of collaborating with Hamas. Richard Gowan, the UN director of the International Crisis Group, expressed concern about the situation in Gaza, stating, "This is a conflict which the UN has been trying to resolve for almost 80 years. And now the UN sees that Israel is basically pushing the world organization out of the picture."

The UN's effectiveness is also being tested in other global conflicts, such as Russia's war in Ukraine and the ongoing violence in Sudan. The organization faces budget cuts from the United States, which have hindered its ability to provide humanitarian aid and support for refugees. Gowan noted, "I think we're entering a period where the UN is going to have to shrink its ambitions and will be less present on the ground."

As the UN prepares for Climate Week, its role in climate policy has diminished. The outcomes of past global summits, such as those in Rio de Janeiro and Paris, have not led to significant action. French President Emmanuel Macron, who previously championed climate initiatives, is now reportedly stalling a vote on the European Union's climate goals for 2035 and 2040.

Amid these challenges, the UN General Assembly presents a platform for international leaders to address pressing issues, including the situation in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently acknowledged Israel's growing isolation, stating, "We'll need to develop weapons industries here. Life is more important than the law." Opposition to Netanyahu's policies is rising within Israel, with critics arguing that his government is leading the country toward further isolation.

International pressure on Israel is mounting, with the European Union proposing new tariffs on Israeli goods. Spain's prime minister has threatened to withdraw from international events if Israel participates. The Arab world is increasingly vocal in its condemnation of Israel's actions, although a recent summit in Doha did not result in formal sanctions.

As the UN General Assembly convenes, the focus will be on whether the organization can effectively address these global challenges. Analysts suggest that despite the difficulties, the UN remains a vital platform for smaller nations to voice their concerns and coordinate efforts on issues like development and humanitarian aid. Gowan emphasized, "For those countries, the UN is still a space that really matters, because it's the one place that they can coordinate and they can make joint demands on things like development that sometimes get ignored."

The upcoming speeches, particularly from the US president, will be closely watched as diplomats seek to navigate the complexities of international relations in a rapidly changing world.