International Push for two-State Solution Gains Momentum at UN Conference, with Recognition of palestine Looming
New York, NY - A critical United Nations conference held in new York from July 28-30 brought renewed international focus to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, culminating in a declaration urging collective action to end the war in Gaza and achieve a just, lasting peace based on a two-state solution. The conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, saw participation from over 125 nations and organizations, though notably excluded the United States and Israel. A significant outcome was the growing chorus of nations signaling their intent to formally recognize the State of Palestine in September, contingent on demonstrable progress towards a sustainable peace.
This surge in diplomatic activity comes amidst escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and a stalled peace process, prompting a sense of urgency amongst global leaders. The New york Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution lays out a roadmap for political, humanitarian, and security measures to be implemented with clear timelines and a commitment to irreversibility. Co-chairs are encouraging all UN Member States to endorse the declaration before the conclusion of the 79th session of the General Assembly in early September.
Secretary-General Guterres Issues Stark Warning: No Alternative to Two States
The conference opened with a powerful address from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who delivered a sobering assessment of the situation. He unequivocally stated that the two-state solution remains the only viable path to lasting peace, dismissing any alternative scenarios as unacceptable.
“A one-State reality where Palestinians are denied equal rights and forced to live under perpetual occupation and inequality? A one-State reality where Palestinians are expelled from their land? That is not peace.That is not justice. And that is not acceptable,” Guterres declared, underscoring the fundamental principles at stake.
Guterres condemned the October 7th Hamas attacks and the subsequent scale of Israel’s military response, reiterating his urgent calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza.He emphasized that the conflict requires resolution, not management, and warned, “We must act before it is indeed too late.” His remarks reflect a growing international consensus that the current trajectory is unsustainable and risks further destabilization of the region.
Growing International Recognition of Palestine: A Shift in Diplomatic Landscape
The conference witnessed a significant shift in diplomatic positioning,with several key nations announcing their intention to recognize the State of Palestine during the upcoming 80th session of the General Assembly in September. This move is being framed as a catalyst for renewed negotiations and a exhibition of commitment to the principle of equal rights and self-determination for the Palestinian people.
France,a co-chair of the conference,reaffirmed its longstanding support for Israel’s integration into the international community while simultaneously asserting the Palestinians’ equal right to a homeland.French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, announced France’s readiness to formally recognize Palestine in September, stating it would be a concrete step towards achieving a just and lasting peace.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Faisal bin Farhan al Saud, highlighted the devastating humanitarian consequences of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, alongside the expansion of Israeli settlements in jerusalem and the West Bank, which he described as altering the region’s demographic landscape. He stressed that true peace and security cannot be achieved through the deprivation of rights or the use of force, emphasizing the need for a genuine and irreversible peace process.
The United Kingdom also joined the growing movement, with Foreign Secretary David Lammy outlining recent UK actions, including the suspension of arms exports to Israel, sanctions on extremist settlers, and the restoration of funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Lammy declared the UK’s intention to recognize the State of Palestine in September, unless the Israeli government takes concrete steps to end the situation in Gaza, halt its military campaign, and commit to a long-term, sustainable peace based on a two-state solution. This conditional recognition adds significant pressure on Israel to de-escalate the conflict and engage in meaningful negotiations.
key Demands and Next Steps
Delegates throughout the three-day conference consistently underscored the urgency of concrete steps towards a two-state solution. Key demands included:
Empowering and Reforming the Palestinian Authority: Strengthening the PA’s governance capacity is seen as crucial for establishing a viable Palestinian state.
Reconstructing Gaza: Addressing the immense humanitarian needs and rebuilding infrastructure in Gaza are paramount
