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UN hosts two-state solution conference amid Gaza famine and rising tensions

Yesterday 13:30

By: Dakir Madiha

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The United Nations is set to host a two-state solution conference in New York on July 28-29, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, as the international community seeks to revive the prospect of peace in the Middle East. The summit arrives during a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and a historic diplomatic shift following France’s formal recognition of Palestine as a state.

The High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine marks a critical moment for advancing the two-state solution, a concept that faces unprecedented challenges. Since the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 Israelis, including 50 French nationals, the war in Gaza has claimed over 56,000 Palestinian lives, leaving its infrastructure in ruins.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, emphasized the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to achieving regional peace, describing the recognition of Palestine as a "strategic necessity." He stated that the conference aims to implement international resolutions that affirm the Palestinian right to self-determination, fostering stability and prosperity in the region.

International support and resistance

Manal Radwan, a counselor at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reiterated that resolving the Palestinian issue is essential to establishing a new regional order based on coexistence. Slovenia’s UN representative, Samuel Zbogar, highlighted the conference’s goal of mobilizing political and economic support for an independent Palestinian state coexisting with Israel.

France’s recognition of Palestine, announced by President Emmanuel Macron on July 24, has sparked mixed reactions. Macron urged immediate humanitarian aid for Gaza and reiterated that peace hinges on establishing a viable, demilitarized Palestinian state. The Palestinian Authority welcomed the move as a step toward justice, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned it, accusing France of legitimizing terrorism.

Key objectives of the summit

The conference will focus on four core areas to advance the two-state solution:

1- Recognition of Palestine: Saudi Arabia, France, and their partners aim to rally more countries to formally recognize Palestinian statehood. This move is seen as crucial for empowering moderate voices and countering extremist factions like Hamas.

2- Normalization and integration: Arab and Muslim states will be encouraged to normalize relations with Israel, contingent on tangible progress toward Palestinian statehood.

3- Reforming Palestinian governance: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has pledged significant reforms, including disarming Hamas, ending controversial policies, and holding elections within a year.

4- Disarmament of Hamas: The exclusion of Hamas from the future Palestinian state is deemed essential for lasting peace.

Mounting international criticism

As preparations for the summit continue, criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza has intensified. On July 21, foreign ministers from 26 countries, including Canada, Japan, and most of the EU, condemned Israel’s conduct, calling for an immediate ceasefire and rejecting settlement expansion projects that could obstruct a future Palestinian state.

A pivotal moment for peace

The New York summit may provide a crucial opportunity to restore momentum for the two-state solution. A follow-up conference is scheduled for September at the UN General Assembly, co-chaired by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Macron. However, with decades of conflict and deepening divisions, the road to peace remains fraught with challenges.