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UN Conference Issues Landmark Declaration Supporting Two-State Solution
At a United Nations conference in New York, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt joined 14 other nations, the European Union, and the Arab League in endorsing a declaration calling for Hamas to disarm and end its governance of Gaza. The initiative aims to advance the two-state solution and bring an end to the ongoing conflict in the Palestinian territory.
The seven-page declaration states:
“In the context of ending the war in Gaza, Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, with international engagement and support, in line with the objective of a sovereign and independent Palestinian State.”
This follows a proposal by the Palestinian delegation urging both Hamas and Israel to withdraw from Gaza, enabling the Palestinian Authority to assume administrative control.
Historic Shift in Regional Positioning
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot described the declaration as “historic and unprecedented,” noting that it marks the first time Arab nations have publicly condemned Hamas, its October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel, and called for its exclusion from Palestinian governance. The statement also signals a willingness among Middle Eastern countries to normalize relations with Israel.
The declaration was co-signed by France, Britain, Canada, and other Western nations. Notably, Israel and the United States did not participate in the conference.
Stabilization and Statehood Prospects
The document supports the potential deployment of a temporary international stabilization mission in Gaza, under UN auspices and with Security Council authorization, to assist the Palestinian Authority post-conflict.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced that the UK may formally recognize a Palestinian state in September, contingent on Israel implementing a ceasefire and allowing adequate humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Mounting Humanitarian Crisis
The war in Gaza, now in its 21st month, began with Hamas’s October 2023 attacks and has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian casualties and widespread destruction. The expansion of Israeli settlements and annexation plans have further complicated prospects for a viable Palestinian state.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres acknowledged the deteriorating situation, stating:
“The two-state solution is farther than ever before.”
