Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, has addressed the situation in Gaza during in an interview at the Reuters NEXT Gulf Summit in Abu Dhabi.
He said much work remains to ensure…
Archiv: 30-07-2025 New York Declaration after UN conference: two-state solution for Palestine and Israel / ending of war and occupation / elections / UN ground troops to Palestine
UN conference launches ‚New York Declaration‘ calling on ending the Palestinian-Israeli conflict through the two-state solution
(July 30, 2025)
Following is the full text of the New York Declaration:
Joint Chair Statement of the Conference: The French Republic and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
„In association with the chairs of the working groups: The Federative Republic of Brazil, Canada, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Republic of Indonesia, Ireland, the Italian Republic, Japan, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the United Mexican States, the Kingdom of Norway, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Senegal, the Kingdom of Spain, the Republic of Turkey, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the European Union, and the League of Arab States.
1. We, the leaders and representatives, gathered at the United Nations in New York from July 28 to 30, 2025, at a critical historic moment for peace, security, and stability in the Middle East.
2. We agreed to take collective action to end the war in Gaza and to achieve a just, peaceful, and lasting resolution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict based on the effective implementation of the two-state solution and to build a better future for Palestinians, Israelis, and all peoples of the region.
3. Recent developments have, once again and more than ever, underscored the horrific human toll and grave consequences of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on regional and international peace and security. Without decisive steps toward a two-state solution and strong international guarantees, the conflict will deepen and regional peace will remain elusive.
4. We reiterated our condemnation of all attacks against civilians by any party, including all acts of terrorism, indiscriminate attacks, all attacks on civilian infrastructure, acts of incitement, provocation, and destruction. We recall that hostage-taking is prohibited under international law. We also affirm our rejection of any actions that result in territorial or demographic changes, including the forced displacement of Palestinian civilians, as such actions represent a grave violation of international humanitarian law. We condemn the attacks committed by Hamas against civilians on October 7, as well as the attacks carried out by Israel against civilians and civilian infrastructure in Gaza, along with the blockade and starvation that have caused a devastating humanitarian catastrophe and a protection crisis. There is no justification for grave breaches of international law, including international humanitarian law, and we stress the need for accountability.
5. War, occupation, terrorism, and forced displacement will not bring peace or security. Only a political solution can do so. Ending the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and implementing the two-state solution is the only way to meet the legitimate aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians, in accordance with international law. It is also the best path to ending violence in all its forms, countering destabilizing roles by non-state actors, ending terrorism and violence in all its forms, ensuring the security of both peoples and the sovereignty of both states, and achieving peace, prosperity, and regional integration for the benefit of all peoples in the region.
6. We committed to taking concrete, time-bound, and irreversible steps for the peaceful resolution of the question of Palestine and the implementation of the two-state solution, in order to achieve, through practical measures and as soon as possible, an independent, sovereign, economically viable, and democratic State of Palestine, living side by side in peace and security with Israel, allowing for full regional integration and mutual recognition.
7. We agreed to support this objective, and, within a specific timeframe, to work toward concluding and implementing a just and comprehensive peace agreement between Israel and Palestine, in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions, the terms of reference of the Madrid Conference—including the principle of land for peace—and the Arab Peace Initiative. This agreement should end the occupation, resolve all outstanding issues and final status matters, end all claims, ensure peace and security for all, and enable full regional integration and mutual recognition in the Middle East, with full respect for the sovereignty of all states.
Ending the War in Gaza and Ensuring the Day After
8. The war in Gaza must end now. We expressed our support for the efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to immediately return the parties to the implementation of the ceasefire agreement in all its phases, leading to a permanent end to hostilities, the release of all hostages, the exchange of Palestinian prisoners, the return of all remains, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. We affirmed our determination to work toward these goals. In this context, Hamas must release all hostages.
9. Crossings throughout the Gaza Strip must be opened, in coordination with the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross and in accordance with humanitarian principles. This must include the immediate lifting of restrictions and the opening of border crossings by Israel, the occupying power, and the resumption of energy supplies and the entry of fuel, medical supplies, food, water, and other essential materials. We reaffirmed the necessity of protecting UN staff and humanitarian workers and enabling them to work effectively. We also stressed our rejection of the use of starvation as a method of warfare, which is prohibited under international law, and emphasized the need to act immediately to address rising famine and prevent its spread in Gaza.
10. Gaza is an integral part of the Palestinian state and must be unified with the West Bank. There must be no occupation, siege, territorial reduction, or forced displacement.
11. Governance, law enforcement, and security in all Palestinian territories must be under the sole authority of the Palestinian Authority, with appropriate international support. We welcomed the Palestinian Authority’s “One State, One Government, One Law, One Gun” policy and pledged to support its implementation, including through the necessary Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) process, to be completed within an agreed mechanism and timeline with international partners. As part of ending the war in Gaza, Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, with international support and participation, consistent with the goal of establishing an independent, sovereign State of Palestine.
12. We endorsed the prompt implementation of the Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation reconstruction plan to enable early recovery and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip, ensuring that Palestinians remain on their land. We encouraged all countries and regional and international partners to actively participate in the Gaza Reconstruction Conference to be held soon in Cairo.
13. After the ceasefire, an interim administrative committee must immediately be established to operate in Gaza under the umbrella of the Palestinian Authority.
14. We called on member states, the United Nations and its agencies, and international organizations to provide broad resources and assistance to support recovery and reconstruction, including through a dedicated international trust fund for this purpose. We reaffirmed the indispensable role of UNRWA and expressed our commitment to continue supporting it, including through appropriate funding, in implementing its mandate. We welcomed its ongoing efforts to implement the recommendations of the Colonna Report. Upon reaching a just solution to the Palestinian refugee issue in accordance with UN General Assembly Resolution 194, UNRWA will transfer its public services in the Palestinian territories to empowered and equipped Palestinian institutions.
15. We supported the deployment of a temporary international stabilization mission, at the invitation of the Palestinian Authority and under the UN’s umbrella and principles, based on the UN’s existing capacities, to be mandated by the Security Council with appropriate regional and international support. We welcomed the readiness of some member states to contribute forces.
16. This mission, which can evolve according to needs, will provide protection for Palestinian civilians, support the transfer of internal security responsibilities to the Palestinian Authority, offer assistance in building the capacities of the Palestinian state and its security forces, and provide security guarantees for both Palestine and Israel — including monitoring the ceasefire and any future peace agreement — while fully respecting the sovereignty of both states.
17. We committed to supporting the Palestinian government and Palestinian security forces through funding programs from regional and international partners, including appropriate training, equipping, vetting, and advisory support, drawing on the experience of missions such as the USSC, EUPOL COPPS, and EUBAM Rafah.
18. We also committed to supporting measures and programs aimed at combating extremism, incitement, dehumanization, and violent extremism leading to terrorism, as well as discrimination and hate speech across all platforms and actors. We emphasized the promotion of a culture of peace in schools in both Israel and Palestine, and supported the involvement of civil society and dialogue. We welcomed ongoing efforts to update the Palestinian curricula and called on Israel to undertake a similar effort. We also supported the establishment of an international monitoring mechanism to verify both parties’ compliance with these goals.
Empowering a Sovereign and Economically Viable State of Palestine
19. We reaffirmed our unwavering support — in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions — for the implementation of the two-state solution, in which two sovereign democratic states, Palestine and Israel, live side by side in peace and security within recognized and secure borders, based on the 1967 lines, including with respect to Jerusalem.
20. We welcomed the commitments made by President Mahmoud Abbas on behalf of Palestine, as stated in his letter dated 9 June 2025, including a peaceful resolution to the question of Palestine and a continued rejection of violence and terrorism. We also welcomed President Abbas’s statement that the Palestinian state must be the sole authority responsible for security within its territory, that it does not intend to be a military state, and that it is ready to work on security arrangements beneficial to all parties — with full respect for its sovereignty — as long as it is under international protection.
21. We emphasized the need for the Palestinian Authority to continue implementing its credible reform agenda, with international support — especially from the European Union and the Arab League — focusing on good governance, transparency, financial sustainability, combating incitement and hate speech, delivering public services, and improving the business environment and development.
22. We also welcomed President Abbas’s commitment to hold democratic and transparent general and presidential elections throughout the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, within one year under international auspices. These elections should allow for democratic competition among Palestinian parties that commit to respecting the Palestine Liberation Organization’s program, its international commitments, relevant UN resolutions, and the principle of “one state, one government, one law, one weapon.” This will allow a new generation of elected representatives to take on responsibility. Based on an invitation from the Palestinian Authority, the European Union committed to continuing its support for the electoral process.
23. We called on the Israeli leadership to make a clear and public commitment to the two-state solution — including a sovereign and viable Palestinian state — to immediately end violence and incitement against Palestinians, halt all settlement activity, land confiscation, and annexation acts in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, and to publicly renounce any annexation projects or settlement policies. We also called for an end to settler violence, including by implementing UN Security Council Resolution 904 and enacting legislation to punish and deter violent settlers and their illegal actions.
24. We urged both parties to continue efforts to ensure that their political factions are committed to the principles of nonviolence, mutual recognition, and the two-state solution.
25. We reaffirmed our support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. Given the absence of current negotiations between the two sides, and recognizing that illegal unilateral actions pose an existential threat to the realization of an independent Palestinian state, we stressed that recognition of and realization of the State of Palestine are essential and indispensable components of implementing the two-state solution — while noting that recognition is a sovereign decision of each state. Full UN membership for the State of Palestine is a crucial element of a political solution to end the conflict, enabling full regional integration.
26. We committed to mobilizing political and financial support for the Palestinian Authority as it implements its reforms, in order to help it strengthen its institutional capacities, carry out its reform agenda, and assume its responsibilities across all the occupied Palestinian territories. To this end, we called on more countries to pledge increased financial support — alongside the European Union and other donors — and to convene an international donors‘ conference as soon as possible.
27. We agreed to enhance Palestinian economic development, facilitate trade, and strengthen the competitiveness of the Palestinian private sector. We called for the removal of restrictions on movement and access, the immediate release of withheld Palestinian tax revenues, and committed to reviewing the 1994 Paris Economic Protocol and developing a new framework for the transfer of clearance revenues — one that ensures full Palestinian control over the tax system. We also supported the full integration of Palestine into the international monetary and financial system, and the establishment of sustainable, long-term banking relations.
Protecting the Two-State Solution from Unlawful Unilateral Measures
28. We emphasized that commitment to the United Nations Charter and respect for international law are fundamental pillars of peace and security in the region.
29. We committed to protecting peace efforts from any obstructive parties that seek to undermine the implementation of the two-state solution through unlawful unilateral actions and violent acts.
30. We reaffirmed our strong opposition to all illegal actions — from both sides — that undermine the viability of the two-state solution, including settlement activities. We committed to taking practical measures, in accordance with international law, relevant UN resolutions, and the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice issued on 19 July 2024, to support the Palestinian people in realizing their right to self-determination, and to counter the illegal settlement policy in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, as well as policies and threats of forced displacement and annexation.
31. We called for the preservation of the existing legal and historical status quo at the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. We reaffirmed the essential role of the Hashemite custodianship in this regard and expressed our support for the Jerusalem Waqf and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, administered by Jordan.
32. We committed to adopting restrictive measures against violent extremist settlers and the entities and individuals who support illegal settlements, in accordance with international law.
33. We are committed to adopting targeted measures, in accordance with international law, against entities and individuals who act against the principle of a peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue through violence or acts of terrorism, and in violation of international law.
Achieving Regional Integration Through Ending the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict
34. Regional integration and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state are interconnected goals. Ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict—which lies at the heart of the Arab-Israeli conflict—is essential for achieving peace, stability, and regional integration. Coexistence and normal relations among the peoples and countries of the region will only be possible through an end to the war in Gaza, the release of all hostages, the end of the occupation, the rejection of violence and terrorism, the establishment of an independent, sovereign, and democratic Palestinian state, the end of the occupation of all Arab territories, and the provision of strong security guarantees for both Israel and Palestine.
35. We agreed to take concrete steps to enhance mutual recognition, peaceful coexistence, and cooperation among all countries of the region, linked to the irreversible implementation of the two-state solution.
36. We called on Palestinians and Israelis to resume negotiations—with international support, supervision, and guarantees—in good faith and with sincere will, to achieve mutual peace and stability.
37. We agreed to support, in parallel with concluding a peace agreement between Palestine and Israel, renewed efforts on the Syrian-Israeli and Lebanese-Israeli tracks, with the aim of achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East, in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, and to end all claims.
38. We have committed to preparing the groundwork for a future ‚Peace Day,‘ based on the Arab Peace Initiative, the ‚European Peace Support Package,‘ and other international contributions. These efforts aim to deliver tangible benefits to Palestinians, Israelis, and the region as a whole — including in areas such as trade, infrastructure, energy, and enabling regional integration — ultimately leading to the establishment of a regional security structure that promotes stability.
39. In this regard, we have decided to explore, in the context of achieving a sovereign Palestinian state, a regional security structure that could provide security guarantees for all. This structure would draw upon the experiences of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), paving the way for a more stable and secure Middle East. It would also include the establishment of a regional and international framework to appropriately support the resolution of the refugee issue, with an emphasis on the right of return.
40. We are determined to ensure that the decisions made at this conference represent a turning point — mobilizing the entire international community, at political, economic, financial, and security levels — to launch a long-awaited, brighter future for all nations and peoples.
41. We have decided to assign the co-chairs of the conference and the working groups — including within the framework of the Global Coalition for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution — to serve as an international mechanism for following up on the goals and commitments of this conference. We agreed to mobilize the international community at the leadership level around these commitments on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025.
42. This declaration and its annex reflect the outcomes of the eight working groups convened as part of the conference. These outcomes set out a comprehensive and implementable framework for a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian issue and the implementation of the two-state solution. They represent proposals covering political, security, humanitarian, economic, legal, and strategic dimensions, and constitute a practical, time-bound action plan to guide international engagement, implementation, operational coordination, and follow-up efforts toward achieving the two-state solution and full regional integration.“
Endorsement of the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution
The General Assembly,
Recalling its resolution ES-10/24 of 18 September 2024, in which it decided to convene during the seventy-ninth session of the General Assembly an international conference under the auspices of the Assembly for the implementation of the United Nations resolutions pertaining to the question of Palestine and the two-State solution for the achievement of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East,
Recalling also its resolution 79/81 of 3 December 2024, in which it adopted the modalities for the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, convened from 28 to 30 July in New York, and decided that it would ad opt an action-oriented outcome document to urgently chart an irreversible pathway towards the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the implementation of the two – State solution,
Recalling further the decision of the General Assembly, in its decision 79/573 B of 5 September 2025, to resume the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two- State Solution:
(a) Expresses its profound gratitude to France and Saudi Arabia for discharging their responsibilities as Co-Chairs of the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution and for elaborating, together with the Co- Chairs of the working groups, on the basis of consultations with all participating States, the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution;
(b) Endorses the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution submitted by the Co-Chairs of the Conference and the Co-Chairs of the working groups to the Conference.
UN / GA PALESTINE RESOLUTION
With 142 votes in favour, the General Assembly adopted a resolution endorsing the New York Declaration, which calls for the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the implementation of the two-state solution.
General Assembly: 2nd plenary meeting, 80th session
Description
– Organization of work, adoption of the agenda and allocation of items – Item 7: Report (A/80/250)
First report of the General Committee (A/80/250)
– Question of Palestine- Item 35: Draft resolution (A/80/L.1/Rev.1) – Endorsement of the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution (A/80/L.1/Rev.1)
Action on the draft resolution.
General Assembly Takes Up Text Endorsing New York Declaration, Charting Path to Palestinian Statehood, Peace with Israel
Today, the General Assembly will vote on a draft resolution endorsing the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the two-State solution. The Declaration, circulated at a high-level international conference held from 28 to 30 July, sets out an action-oriented pathway towards a peaceful settlement of the Israel-Palestine conflict and the realization of the two-State solution — the vision of an independent State of Palestine living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security, based on the pre-1967 borders.
Saudi Arabia stands by Qatar against aggression; Crown Prince asserts
„Saudi Arabia rejects and condemns the Israeli aggression against Qatar and would mobilize all its capabilities in supporting the neighboring country,“ he said while inaugurating, on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, the activities of the second year of the 9th session of the Shoura Council in Riyadh on Wednesday. “We reject and condemn the aggressions of the Israeli occupation in the region, most recently its brutal attack on the State of Qatar. This aggression requires Arab, Islamic, and international action to stop the occupation and deter its criminal practices aimed at destabilizing the region,” he said.
Saudi Crown Prince affirms Kingdom‘s unlimited support for Qatar
He also noted that the Kingdom‘s diplomatic efforts have led to a growing number of countries recognizing the State of Palestine. He highlighted the success of the recent High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution held in New York, calling it an unprecedented gathering that has significantly strengthened international consensus around the peace initiative.
Qatar hopes for „collective response“ from regional allies to Israeli strike on Doha
“There is a response that will happen from the region. This response is currently under consultation and discussion with other partners in the region,” Al-Thani said.
Al-Thani stated that an Arab-Islamic summit will be held in Doha in the coming days, where the participants will decide on a course of action.
Foreign Minister: Recognition of State of Palestine is key to ensuring Palestinian people‘s legitimate rights
Minister Shahin briefed her Canadian counterpart on the reforms being carried out by the Palestinian government, as well as its plans and projects for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. She emphasized that advancing toward recognition of the State of Palestine is a vital step in preserving the two-state solution and ensuring the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
For her part, Minister Anand reaffirmed Canada’s continued support for the Palestinian people, noting that the option of recognizing the State of Palestine remains on the table and is being seriously considered within Canada.
UN General Assembly backs Saudi-French plan to resume two-state summit on Sept. 22
The High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine initially convened during the 79th session of the General Assembly but was suspended on July 30. The conference will now resume during the General Assembly’s 80th session, at the level of heads of state and government, underscoring the need for what proponents describe as an urgent international push toward a just and lasting peace between Israel and Palestine.
UNGA decides to resume high-level conference on two-state solution
(September 6, 2025)
The UN General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday decided to resume a high-level international conference on the two-state solution on Sept 22, reviving a process that was put on hold this summer amid escalating violence in the Middle East.
The assembly adopted an oral decision proposed by Saudi Arabia on the resumption of the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.
Finland to Sign French-Saudi Declaration on Israel-Palestine Two-State Solution
Several countries, among them France, Britain, and Belgium have pledged to recognise Palestinian statehood during the 80th UN General Assembly in September.
The adoption of the French-Saudi declaration is “consistent with Finland’s government report on Finnish foreign and security policy, which was unanimously adopted by parliament,” Valtonen said.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun’s Regular Press Conference on September 5, 2025
CGTN: We’ve learned that China agreed to join the New York Declaration, the outcome document of the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. What’s your comment?
Guo Jiakun: The Palestinian question is at the core of the Middle East issue, and to implement the two-State solution is the only viable solution to the question. China agreed to join the New York Declaration, which is in line with our consistent position on the question. The Palestinian question is now at a crucial juncture. We support all efforts that are conducive to the political settlement of the question. We will continue to work with the international community to make unremitting efforts towards the end of the fighting in Gaza, deescalation of the humanitarian crisis, implementation of the two-State solution, and the ultimate, comprehensive, just and lasting resolution of the Palestinian question.
China joins New York Declaration, reiterates stance on Palestine
“The Palestinian question is at the core of the Middle East issue, and to implement the two-state solution is the only viable solution,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiankun told reporters in Beijing.
“China agreed to join the New York Declaration, which is in line with our consistent position on the Palestinian question, which is now at a crucial juncture. We support all efforts that are conducive to the political settlement of the question,” he said.
Hamas agrees to formation of ‘independent administration of technocrats’ to run Gaza
“The Hamas Movement is still awaiting the response of the Zionist enemy on the proposal presented by mediators to the movement on August 18, which Hamas and the Palestinian factions have accepted,” the group said in a statement shared on its official Telegram channel.
“In this context, Hamas reiterates its readiness to go for a comprehensive deal whereby all enemy prisoners held by the Resistance would be released, in exchange for an agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners held by the occupation, and as part of an agreement that ends the war on Gaza, ensures the full withdrawal of all occupation forces from the entire Gaza Strip, reopens the crossings to enter all Gaza’s essential needs, and begins the reconstruction process,” it said.
Hamas calls for UN action as Israel escalates brutal bombardment of Gaza
(September 3, 2025)
Hamas has agreed to ceasefire proposals presented by the mediators, but it has refused to disarm until the Palestinian state is established as part of the so-called two-state solution. Qatar, which has mediated in the conflict, said that Israel has yet to agree to its latest ceasefire proposal, which was accepted by Hamas last month.
Belgium to recognize Palestine, sanction Israel
The recognition of Palestine would only be formalized if Hamas releases all remaining Israeli hostages kidnapped in the Oct. 7, 2023 attack and the militant group “no longer has any role in managing Palestine,” Prévot said.
In the meantime, Belgium will also impose “firm sanctions” on the Israeli government, Prévot said. The measures include a ban on importing products from illegal settlements, a review of public procurement policies with Israeli companies and restrictions on consular assistance to Belgians living in illegal settlements.
Jetzt auch Belgien: Weiteres Land will Palästina bei UN-Generalversammlung als Staat anerkennen
Die Sanktionen umfassen ein Verbot der Einfuhr von Produkten aus israelischen Siedlungen, eine Überprüfung der öffentlichen Beschaffungspolitik mit israelischen Unternehmen und Einschränkungen der konsularischen Unterstützung für belgische Staatsangehörige, die in den illegalen Siedlungen leben.
Sie werden auch mögliche gerichtliche Verfolgungen, Überflug- und Transitverbote sowie die Einstufung von zwei extremistischen israelischen Ministern, Hamas-Führern und mehreren gewalttätigen Siedlern als „Persona non grata“ in Belgien umfassen.
The 109-Year-Old Pact That Looms Over European Moves to Recognize a Palestinian State
(August 3, 2025)
Speaking at the United Nations, the British foreign secretary, David Lammy, cited another century-old document in arguing that recognition would redress a historical injustice: the Balfour Declaration, issued a year after the signing of Sykes-Picot, which endorsed “the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people.” It had a proviso that “nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine.”
Spain signals support for UN-led mission to stabilise Gaza
„The proposal … is one of the tools that can help achieve peace and security in Gaza and the Middle East, as is the work of UNRWA as the U.N. agency for aid to the Palestinian people,“ the Spanish ministry said in an emailed reply to questions from Reuters.
Britain and France discuss UN peacekeeping force for Gaza
(August 11, 2025)
Macron’s words align with a communique which was co-signed by Britain and a series of other countries across Europe, the Middle East, and the rest of the world at a special UN conference last month organised by France and Saudi Arabia.
The document said that the nations “supported the deployment of a temporary international stabilisation mission” under “the aegis of the United Nations”, noting “the readiness expressed by some member states to contribute in troops”.
Macron calls for UN-backed Gaza mission, slams Israeli plans as ‚permanent war‘
(August 11, 2025)
French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday denounced Israel’s plan to expand military operations in Gaza City as a “disaster waiting to happen”. He pushed for a permanent ceasefire and a UN-mandated international coalition to stabilise the Gaza Strip, protect civilians and support Palestinian governance, and urged the Security Council to act quickly.
President Abbas holds phone call with Saudi Crown Prince to discuss latest developments
The President praised the Kingdom‘s pivotal and constructive role in mobilizing international support for the recognition of the State of Palestine and its embodiment on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
President Abbas further commended the Kingdom’s role in leading the Arab-Islamic efforts in two emergency summits, as well as the Arab-Islamic Committee, chaired by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for its significant efforts within this framework, the formation of the international coalition, and the convening of the International Conference on Peace in New York.
The call also addressed ongoing preparations for the International Peace Conference in New York on 22 September and efforts to mobilize further recognitions of the State of Palestine, including the recognition of the State of Palestine by France, Britain, Canada, Australia and Singapore and the announcements made by other countries expressing their intention to recognize the State of Palestine, to enhance the prospects of achieving a just and comprehensive peace in accordance with the resolutions of international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative.
Netanyahu slated to speak at UN on Sept. 26
An international summit on Palestinian statehood, which France and Saudi Arabia are slated to sponsor, is scheduled for Sept. 22 in conjunction with the General Assembly. The organizers hope to draw heads of state and government.
The summit’s precursor—a conference held last week at the United Nations—coincided with several countries declaring their intentions to recognize a Palestinian state at the September summit.
Israel is not expected to participate in the September summit after avoiding last week’s conference.
Netanyahu: Israel intends to wrestle control of all Gaza, hand it over to non-hostile Arab forces
The Security Cabinet convened at 6 p.m. at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem for the debate and a subsequent vote. The session is scheduled to last until 11 p.m. but expected to last well into the night.
Netanyahu seeks full military control of Gaza before handing it to Arab forces
“We don‘t want to be there as a governing body,” he said. “We want to hand it over to Arab forces that will govern it properly without threatening us and giving Gazans a good life.”
Saudi and French-led conference sets 15-month deadline for Palestinian statehood
A high-level international conference co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France concluded in New York with the adoption of a detailed, time-bound roadmap to establish a sovereign Palestinian state within 15 months, reviving global momentum for the two-state solution.
French-Saudi UN Initiative: Awakening The International Community – OpEd
(July 29, 2025)
Hamas’ savage October 2023 attack and Israel’s horrific war of retaliation have reignited the call for a two-state solution. I applaud the joint French-Saudi UN initiative in support of a two-state solution in the hope that it will awaken the international community and end this most destructive and most protracted conflict since World War II.
New York Declaration: The new UN plan for a Palestinian state with peace in Gaza
Sponsored by France and Saudi Arabia, along with 15 other countries (but not the United States), plus the Arab League, and the European Union, the Declaration was sent to governments around the world to gather support ahead of the UN General Assembly in September. It calls for a ceasefire and an international mission to the Gaza Strip, no longer governed by Hamas, Palestinian elections within a year, and the resumption of negotiations without Israeli annexations.
New York Declaration Unveiled: Phased Plan Envisions Demilitarized Palestinian State Beside Israel
It also supports deploying a temporary international stabilization mission under U.N. auspices to protect Palestinian civilians, facilitate security transfers to the PA, and monitor the ceasefire and any future peace agreement.
Israel / Palestinian Territories : Joint statement of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs – New York Call
Joint Statement
29 July 2025
We, Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Andorra, Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia and Spain,
Condemn the heinous and antisemitic terrorist attack of October 7th, 2023;
Demand an immediate ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages of Hamas, including the remains, as well as ensuring unhindered humanitarian access;
Reiterate our unwavering commitment to the vision of the two-State solution where two democratic States, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders, consistent with international law and relevant UN resolutions, and in this regard stress the importance of unifying the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority;
Express grave concern over the high number of civilian casualties and humanitarian situation in Gaza and emphasize the essential role of the United Nations and its agencies in facilitating humanitarian assistance;
Welcome the commitments made by the President of the Palestinian Authority on June 10th where he (i) condemns the October 7th terrorist attacks (ii) calls for the liberation of hostages and disarmament of Hamas (iii) commits to terminate the prisoner payment system (iv) commits to schooling reform, (v) commits to call for elections within a year to trigger generational renewal and (vi) accepts the principle of a demilitarized Palestinian State;
Ahead of the meeting of the Heads of State and Government that will take place during the high-level week of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) in September 2025, we, Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Andorra, Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia and Spain,
Have already recognized, have expressed or express the willingness or the positive consideration of our countries to recognize the State of Palestine, as an essential step towards the two-State solution, and invite all countries that have not done so to join this call;
Urge countries who have not done so yet to establish normal relations with Israel, and to express their willingness to enter into discussions on the regional integration of the State of Israel;
Express our determination to work on an architecture for the „day after“ in Gaza which guarantees the reconstruction of Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas and its exclusion from the Palestinian governance.
UN conference launches ‚New York Declaration‘ calling on ending the Palestinian-Israeli conflict through the two-state solution
Following is the full text of the New York Declaration:
Joint Chair Statement of the Conference: The French Republic and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
„In association with the chairs of the working groups: The Federative Republic of Brazil, Canada, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Republic of Indonesia, Ireland, the Italian Republic, Japan, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the United Mexican States, the Kingdom of Norway, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Senegal, the Kingdom of Spain, the Republic of Turkey, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the European Union, and the League of Arab States.
1. We, the leaders and representatives, gathered at the United Nations in New York from July 28 to 30, 2025, at a critical historic moment for peace, security, and stability in the Middle East.
2. We agreed to take collective action to end the war in Gaza and to achieve a just, peaceful, and lasting resolution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict based on the effective implementation of the two-state solution and to build a better future for Palestinians, Israelis, and all peoples of the region.
3. Recent developments have, once again and more than ever, underscored the horrific human toll and grave consequences of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on regional and international peace and security. Without decisive steps toward a two-state solution and strong international guarantees, the conflict will deepen and regional peace will remain elusive.
4. We reiterated our condemnation of all attacks against civilians by any party, including all acts of terrorism, indiscriminate attacks, all attacks on civilian infrastructure, acts of incitement, provocation, and destruction. We recall that hostage-taking is prohibited under international law. We also affirm our rejection of any actions that result in territorial or demographic changes, including the forced displacement of Palestinian civilians, as such actions represent a grave violation of international humanitarian law. We condemn the attacks committed by Hamas against civilians on October 7, as well as the attacks carried out by Israel against civilians and civilian infrastructure in Gaza, along with the blockade and starvation that have caused a devastating humanitarian catastrophe and a protection crisis. There is no justification for grave breaches of international law, including international humanitarian law, and we stress the need for accountability.
5. War, occupation, terrorism, and forced displacement will not bring peace or security. Only a political solution can do so. Ending the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and implementing the two-state solution is the only way to meet the legitimate aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians, in accordance with international law. It is also the best path to ending violence in all its forms, countering destabilizing roles by non-state actors, ending terrorism and violence in all its forms, ensuring the security of both peoples and the sovereignty of both states, and achieving peace, prosperity, and regional integration for the benefit of all peoples in the region.
6. We committed to taking concrete, time-bound, and irreversible steps for the peaceful resolution of the question of Palestine and the implementation of the two-state solution, in order to achieve, through practical measures and as soon as possible, an independent, sovereign, economically viable, and democratic State of Palestine, living side by side in peace and security with Israel, allowing for full regional integration and mutual recognition.
7. We agreed to support this objective, and, within a specific timeframe, to work toward concluding and implementing a just and comprehensive peace agreement between Israel and Palestine, in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions, the terms of reference of the Madrid Conference—including the principle of land for peace—and the Arab Peace Initiative. This agreement should end the occupation, resolve all outstanding issues and final status matters, end all claims, ensure peace and security for all, and enable full regional integration and mutual recognition in the Middle East, with full respect for the sovereignty of all states.
Ending the War in Gaza and Ensuring the Day After
8. The war in Gaza must end now. We expressed our support for the efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to immediately return the parties to the implementation of the ceasefire agreement in all its phases, leading to a permanent end to hostilities, the release of all hostages, the exchange of Palestinian prisoners, the return of all remains, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. We affirmed our determination to work toward these goals. In this context, Hamas must release all hostages.
9. Crossings throughout the Gaza Strip must be opened, in coordination with the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross and in accordance with humanitarian principles. This must include the immediate lifting of restrictions and the opening of border crossings by Israel, the occupying power, and the resumption of energy supplies and the entry of fuel, medical supplies, food, water, and other essential materials. We reaffirmed the necessity of protecting UN staff and humanitarian workers and enabling them to work effectively. We also stressed our rejection of the use of starvation as a method of warfare, which is prohibited under international law, and emphasized the need to act immediately to address rising famine and prevent its spread in Gaza.
10. Gaza is an integral part of the Palestinian state and must be unified with the West Bank. There must be no occupation, siege, territorial reduction, or forced displacement.
11. Governance, law enforcement, and security in all Palestinian territories must be under the sole authority of the Palestinian Authority, with appropriate international support. We welcomed the Palestinian Authority’s “One State, One Government, One Law, One Gun” policy and pledged to support its implementation, including through the necessary Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) process, to be completed within an agreed mechanism and timeline with international partners. As part of ending the war in Gaza, Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, with international support and participation, consistent with the goal of establishing an independent, sovereign State of Palestine.
12. We endorsed the prompt implementation of the Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation reconstruction plan to enable early recovery and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip, ensuring that Palestinians remain on their land. We encouraged all countries and regional and international partners to actively participate in the Gaza Reconstruction Conference to be held soon in Cairo.
13. After the ceasefire, an interim administrative committee must immediately be established to operate in Gaza under the umbrella of the Palestinian Authority.
14. We called on member states, the United Nations and its agencies, and international organizations to provide broad resources and assistance to support recovery and reconstruction, including through a dedicated international trust fund for this purpose. We reaffirmed the indispensable role of UNRWA and expressed our commitment to continue supporting it, including through appropriate funding, in implementing its mandate. We welcomed its ongoing efforts to implement the recommendations of the Colonna Report. Upon reaching a just solution to the Palestinian refugee issue in accordance with UN General Assembly Resolution 194, UNRWA will transfer its public services in the Palestinian territories to empowered and equipped Palestinian institutions.
15. We supported the deployment of a temporary international stabilization mission, at the invitation of the Palestinian Authority and under the UN’s umbrella and principles, based on the UN’s existing capacities, to be mandated by the Security Council with appropriate regional and international support. We welcomed the readiness of some member states to contribute forces.
16. This mission, which can evolve according to needs, will provide protection for Palestinian civilians, support the transfer of internal security responsibilities to the Palestinian Authority, offer assistance in building the capacities of the Palestinian state and its security forces, and provide security guarantees for both Palestine and Israel — including monitoring the ceasefire and any future peace agreement — while fully respecting the sovereignty of both states.
17. We committed to supporting the Palestinian government and Palestinian security forces through funding programs from regional and international partners, including appropriate training, equipping, vetting, and advisory support, drawing on the experience of missions such as the USSC, EUPOL COPPS, and EUBAM Rafah.
18. We also committed to supporting measures and programs aimed at combating extremism, incitement, dehumanization, and violent extremism leading to terrorism, as well as discrimination and hate speech across all platforms and actors. We emphasized the promotion of a culture of peace in schools in both Israel and Palestine, and supported the involvement of civil society and dialogue. We welcomed ongoing efforts to update the Palestinian curricula and called on Israel to undertake a similar effort. We also supported the establishment of an international monitoring mechanism to verify both parties’ compliance with these goals.
Empowering a Sovereign and Economically Viable State of Palestine
19. We reaffirmed our unwavering support — in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions — for the implementation of the two-state solution, in which two sovereign democratic states, Palestine and Israel, live side by side in peace and security within recognized and secure borders, based on the 1967 lines, including with respect to Jerusalem.
20. We welcomed the commitments made by President Mahmoud Abbas on behalf of Palestine, as stated in his letter dated 9 June 2025, including a peaceful resolution to the question of Palestine and a continued rejection of violence and terrorism. We also welcomed President Abbas’s statement that the Palestinian state must be the sole authority responsible for security within its territory, that it does not intend to be a military state, and that it is ready to work on security arrangements beneficial to all parties — with full respect for its sovereignty — as long as it is under international protection.
21. We emphasized the need for the Palestinian Authority to continue implementing its credible reform agenda, with international support — especially from the European Union and the Arab League — focusing on good governance, transparency, financial sustainability, combating incitement and hate speech, delivering public services, and improving the business environment and development.
22. We also welcomed President Abbas’s commitment to hold democratic and transparent general and presidential elections throughout the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, within one year under international auspices. These elections should allow for democratic competition among Palestinian parties that commit to respecting the Palestine Liberation Organization’s program, its international commitments, relevant UN resolutions, and the principle of “one state, one government, one law, one weapon.” This will allow a new generation of elected representatives to take on responsibility. Based on an invitation from the Palestinian Authority, the European Union committed to continuing its support for the electoral process.
23. We called on the Israeli leadership to make a clear and public commitment to the two-state solution — including a sovereign and viable Palestinian state — to immediately end violence and incitement against Palestinians, halt all settlement activity, land confiscation, and annexation acts in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, and to publicly renounce any annexation projects or settlement policies. We also called for an end to settler violence, including by implementing UN Security Council Resolution 904 and enacting legislation to punish and deter violent settlers and their illegal actions.
24. We urged both parties to continue efforts to ensure that their political factions are committed to the principles of nonviolence, mutual recognition, and the two-state solution.
25. We reaffirmed our support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. Given the absence of current negotiations between the two sides, and recognizing that illegal unilateral actions pose an existential threat to the realization of an independent Palestinian state, we stressed that recognition of and realization of the State of Palestine are essential and indispensable components of implementing the two-state solution — while noting that recognition is a sovereign decision of each state. Full UN membership for the State of Palestine is a crucial element of a political solution to end the conflict, enabling full regional integration.
26. We committed to mobilizing political and financial support for the Palestinian Authority as it implements its reforms, in order to help it strengthen its institutional capacities, carry out its reform agenda, and assume its responsibilities across all the occupied Palestinian territories. To this end, we called on more countries to pledge increased financial support — alongside the European Union and other donors — and to convene an international donors‘ conference as soon as possible.
27. We agreed to enhance Palestinian economic development, facilitate trade, and strengthen the competitiveness of the Palestinian private sector. We called for the removal of restrictions on movement and access, the immediate release of withheld Palestinian tax revenues, and committed to reviewing the 1994 Paris Economic Protocol and developing a new framework for the transfer of clearance revenues — one that ensures full Palestinian control over the tax system. We also supported the full integration of Palestine into the international monetary and financial system, and the establishment of sustainable, long-term banking relations.
Protecting the Two-State Solution from Unlawful Unilateral Measures
28. We emphasized that commitment to the United Nations Charter and respect for international law are fundamental pillars of peace and security in the region.
29. We committed to protecting peace efforts from any obstructive parties that seek to undermine the implementation of the two-state solution through unlawful unilateral actions and violent acts.
30. We reaffirmed our strong opposition to all illegal actions — from both sides — that undermine the viability of the two-state solution, including settlement activities. We committed to taking practical measures, in accordance with international law, relevant UN resolutions, and the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice issued on 19 July 2024, to support the Palestinian people in realizing their right to self-determination, and to counter the illegal settlement policy in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, as well as policies and threats of forced displacement and annexation.
31. We called for the preservation of the existing legal and historical status quo at the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. We reaffirmed the essential role of the Hashemite custodianship in this regard and expressed our support for the Jerusalem Waqf and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, administered by Jordan.
32. We committed to adopting restrictive measures against violent extremist settlers and the entities and individuals who support illegal settlements, in accordance with international law.
33. We are committed to adopting targeted measures, in accordance with international law, against entities and individuals who act against the principle of a peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue through violence or acts of terrorism, and in violation of international law.
Achieving Regional Integration Through Ending the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict
34. Regional integration and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state are interconnected goals. Ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict—which lies at the heart of the Arab-Israeli conflict—is essential for achieving peace, stability, and regional integration. Coexistence and normal relations among the peoples and countries of the region will only be possible through an end to the war in Gaza, the release of all hostages, the end of the occupation, the rejection of violence and terrorism, the establishment of an independent, sovereign, and democratic Palestinian state, the end of the occupation of all Arab territories, and the provision of strong security guarantees for both Israel and Palestine.
35. We agreed to take concrete steps to enhance mutual recognition, peaceful coexistence, and cooperation among all countries of the region, linked to the irreversible implementation of the two-state solution.
36. We called on Palestinians and Israelis to resume negotiations—with international support, supervision, and guarantees—in good faith and with sincere will, to achieve mutual peace and stability.
37. We agreed to support, in parallel with concluding a peace agreement between Palestine and Israel, renewed efforts on the Syrian-Israeli and Lebanese-Israeli tracks, with the aim of achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East, in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, and to end all claims.
38. We have committed to preparing the groundwork for a future ‚Peace Day,‘ based on the Arab Peace Initiative, the ‚European Peace Support Package,‘ and other international contributions. These efforts aim to deliver tangible benefits to Palestinians, Israelis, and the region as a whole — including in areas such as trade, infrastructure, energy, and enabling regional integration — ultimately leading to the establishment of a regional security structure that promotes stability.
39. In this regard, we have decided to explore, in the context of achieving a sovereign Palestinian state, a regional security structure that could provide security guarantees for all. This structure would draw upon the experiences of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), paving the way for a more stable and secure Middle East. It would also include the establishment of a regional and international framework to appropriately support the resolution of the refugee issue, with an emphasis on the right of return.
40. We are determined to ensure that the decisions made at this conference represent a turning point — mobilizing the entire international community, at political, economic, financial, and security levels — to launch a long-awaited, brighter future for all nations and peoples.
41. We have decided to assign the co-chairs of the conference and the working groups — including within the framework of the Global Coalition for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution — to serve as an international mechanism for following up on the goals and commitments of this conference. We agreed to mobilize the international community at the leadership level around these commitments on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025.
42. This declaration and its annex reflect the outcomes of the eight working groups convened as part of the conference. These outcomes set out a comprehensive and implementable framework for a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian issue and the implementation of the two-state solution. They represent proposals covering political, security, humanitarian, economic, legal, and strategic dimensions, and constitute a practical, time-bound action plan to guide international engagement, implementation, operational coordination, and follow-up efforts toward achieving the two-state solution and full regional integration.“