UN Backs Two-State Solution Amid Gaza Conflict
France, Saudi Arabia Spearhead Renewed Push for Palestinian Statehood
Amidst ongoing conflict in Gaza and heightened tensions in the West Bank, a high-level United Nations conference has reignited global efforts to achieve a two-state solution, envisioning an independent Palestine coexisting peacefully with Israel.
Momentum Builds for Diplomatic Resolution
Spearheaded by France and Saudi Arabia, the recent U.N. gathering saw overwhelming support for a two-state framework, with 125 of the 193 member nations speaking in favor, extending the conference for an unexpected third day. Despite boycotts from Israel and its close ally, the United States, the event underscored a widespread belief in the possibility of a political resolution.
Jerome Bonnafont, the French U.N. ambassador, acknowledged the immense challenges, stating that progress on defining Gaza’s future administration within a Palestinian state is contingent on a ceasefire and substantial humanitarian aid. He emphasized that these are immediate priorities.
“We say to those who are hostile to Israel, the way to peace is certainly not to deny the right of existence to Israel. This is the way to perpetual war,” Bonnafont
declared. โAnd the real way to defend the Palestinians is to give them a state, and the only way to give them a state is a two-state solution โ and we have demonstrated concretely that this solution exists and is feasible.โ
Declaration Signals Stronger International Stance
A key outcome was the “New York Declaration,” co-endorsed by the European Union and the Arab League, urging Israel to commit to a Palestinian state. It also called for increased international recognition of Palestine, deeming it crucial for realizing the two-state solution.
Significantly, the Arab League’s 22 member nations condemned Hamas’s October 7th attacks and called for Hamas to relinquish control of Gaza and disarm. The declaration outlines a pathway toward an independent, demilitarized Palestine, potentially involving a U.N. Security Council-mandated stabilization mission.
Richard Gowan, the International Crisis Groupโs U.N. director, commended French President Emmanuel Macron for elevating the conference’s ambition and symbolic weight. He noted that the meeting allowed major powers like France, Britain, and Canada to express disapproval of current Israeli policies.
Several nations, including France, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Malta, pledged new recognitions of an independent Palestinian state, a move supported by over 145 countries. Australia, New Zealand, Finland, and Portugal indicated they would give the matter positive consideration.
Jean-Noel Barrot, French Foreign Minister, and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farham are planning further engagement during the General Assembly in September to formalize these new recognitions.
The conference established eight working groups focusing on critical aspects such as security for both Israelis and Palestinians, political reforms, legal issues, humanitarian aid, economic development, and Gaza’s reconstruction. This collaborative approach aims to develop concrete proposals for moving forward.
Globally, support for the Palestinian cause and statehood is reportedly growing, while Israel faces increasing international scrutiny, according to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. In 2023, the United Nations reported that over 70% of its member states recognize Palestine, highlighting the widespread international consensus.