Pakistan and Qatar are under consideration to host upcoming negotiations, according to Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency, citing Pakistani government sources.
The report said the date and location for the resumption of direct talks have yet to be finalized, but mediators from Islamabad and Doha are actively engaging with both sides to pave the way for renewed dialogue.
Diplomatic channels have become increasingly active as governments seek to assess the situation and prevent further escalation. Alongside his conversation with COAS Munir, Araghchi also reached out to the foreign ministers of Türkiye, UK, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and France.
During discussions, he briefed counterparts on Tehran’s position regarding recent events and reiterated Iran’s stance on safeguarding its national interests.
Following conversation with the prime ministers of Malaysia and Pakistan, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has thanked the two countries for their cooperation with Tehran.
„I thanked Malaysia for its humanitarian stance and Pakistan for its initiative and effective efforts to reach an agreement,“ Pezeshkian said in a post on X.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Washington on Friday for talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio after backing China’s call for multilateralism at the United Nations, as efforts to preserve a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran remained delicately poised.
JOINT STATEMENT BY ALGERIA, ARMENIA, AUSTRALIA, AUSTRIA, BAHRAIN, BANGLADESH, BELGIUM, BRAZIL, BRUNEI, CAMBODIA, CANADA, CHINA, COLOMBIA, CROATIA, CYPRUS, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, DENMARK, EGYPT, EL SALVADOR, ESTONIA, FINLAND, FRANCE, GERMANY, GHANA, GREECE, GUATEMALA, HUNGARY, INDONESIA, IRELAND, ITALY, JORDAN, LATVIA, LIBERIA, LUXEMBOURG, MALAYSIA, MALTA, MOLDOVA, MONGOLIA, MOROCCO, NEPAL, THE NETHERLANDS, NORTH MACEDONIA, PAKISTAN, PANAMA, THE PHILIPINES, POLAND, PORTUGAL, QATAR, REPUBLIC OF KOREA, ROMANIA, RUSSIA, SIERRA LEONE, SLOVAKIA, SLOVENIA, SPAIN, SRI LANKA, SWEDEN, TANZANIA, THAILAND, TIMOR LESTE, TURKEY, UNITED KINGDOM, URUGUAY, ZAMBIA AND THE EUROPEAN UNION
New York, 9 April 2026
We, the troop-contributing countries to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), joined by several other Member States and the European Union, express deep concern over the escalation of tension in Lebanon since 2 March 2026 and its impact on the safety and security of peacekeepers. We condemn in the strongest terms the persistent attacks against UNIFIL, including the latest grave attacks which cost the lives of three Indonesian peacekeepers and injured several other peacekeepers from France, Ghana, Indonesia, Nepal and Poland. We also firmly condemn the unacceptable aggressive behaviour towards UNIFIL personnel and leadership recently observed.
We recall that peacekeepers must never be the target of attack and that attacks on them are prohibited while they enjoy protection under international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and may constitute a war crime. The safety and security of UN peacekeepers is non-negotiable, and we urge the UN and the Security Council to exert all tools available at its disposal to strengthen the protection of UN peacekeepers in an increasingly dangerous environment.
We reaffirm our full support for UNIFIL and its mandate, as set out in relevant Security Council resolutions, and urge all parties, under all circumstances, to take all measures to ensure the safety and security of peacekeeping personnel and premises, in accordance with international law.
We call on the UN to continue investigating all attacks against peacekeepers in a prompt, transparent and comprehensive manner, and keep the relevant troop-contributing country informed of the progress, consistent with Security Council resolutions 2518 (2020) and 2589 (2021). Those responsible for these attacks must be held accountable.
We express deep concerns over the humanitarian situation in Lebanon, especially the significant civilian casualties, the extensive destruction of civilian infrastructure and the mass displacement of more than one million people.
We call on parties to urgently return to the cessation of hostilities arrangement of 2024 and respect the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006). We call for a cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, de-escalation of tensions, and for all parties to return to the negotiating table. We reiterate our strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Lebanon.
We pay tribute to the dedication and service of all United Nations peacekeepers who risk their lives in the cause of international peace and security and express our deep appreciation to all troop-contributing countries.
While reaffirming their full support for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the countries urged the U.N. and its Security Council „to strengthen the protection of U.N. peacekeepers in an increasingly dangerous environment.“
The statement called on all parties to return to negotiations and reiterated „strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Lebanon.“
Hadi said there were indications that more countries would sign the statement. Israel, Lebanon and the U.S. were not among those he read out.
Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan had posted on his X account about the arrival of an Iranian delegation in Islamabad tonight. But the post was later deleted.
It is on this basis that we support, and will continue to support Ukraine and that we have built a coalition of the willing for a robust and lasting peace, to defend these principles and our security.
It is also on this basis that we decided to take part in the exercise organized by Denmark in Greenland. We fully assume this decision, because security in the Arctic and at the outer edges of our Europe is at stake.
No intimidation or threat will influence us—neither in Ukraine, nor in Greenland, nor anywhere else in the world when we are confronted with such situations.
Tariff threats are unacceptable and have no place in this context. Europeans will respond in a united and coordinated manner should they be confirmed. We will ensure that European sovereignty is upheld.
It is in this spirit that I will engage with our European partners.
After years of rhetorical support for a Palestinian state, conditioned on prior peace with Israel, Paris ultimately decided to move to formal recognition on September 22, when President Emmanuel Macron addressed the UN General Assembly.
(…)
France’s recognition formed part of a wider diplomatic push, including an international conference co-chaired with Saudi Arabia that culminated on September 12 in the UN General Assembly’s adoption of the New York Declaration, which described recognition of the Palestinian state as „essential and indispensable“.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wants to meet with President Trump „as soon as possible“ – possibly by Thanksgiving – to finalize a joint agreement between the United States and Ukraine on the terms of ending the war, said Andriy Yermak, head of the President’s Office of Ukraine.
„I hope the visit of President Zelenskyy will take place as soon as possible, because … it will be help President Trump to continue his historical mission to end this war,“ Yermak told Axios in an interview over Zoom Tuesday morning. „Because [Trump] can say: ‚Look, this is confirmed and agreed, our position with the Ukrainians. We support it, and we continue now to speak with the Russians.'“
The Kingdom also warns that the international community’s silence regarding these practices, and the absence of accountability mechanisms amid ongoing Israeli violations and assaults, weakens the foundations of the international order and undermines the principles of international legitimacy.
The Kingdom reiterates its firm position in supporting the Palestinian people and in continuing its efforts toward establishing an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant international resolutions.
„The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s strong condemnation and denunciation of the continued violations perpetrated by the Israeli occupation authorities and extremist settlers against the Palestinian people, most recently the storming of the courtyards of al-Aqsa Mosque and the provocation of worshippers there, and the reprehensible attack on the Hajja Hamida Mosque in the Palestinian village of Kafr Haris,“ the statement said.
(October 18, 2025)
Dora Mengüç After October 7, Israeli society went through a deep trauma. You’ve said the government weaponized that trauma.
Ofer Cassif Yes. The massacre committed by Hamas was horrific — we all condemned it. But the government used fear, pain, and rage to manipulate people and justify a genocidal war.
The attack on Gaza had nothing to do with the well-being of Israelis, not even revenge. It was about realizing a preexisting plan — the annexation of occupied Palestinian territories without granting basic rights, and the expulsion of Palestinians who resist.
(…)
The only solution is the two-state solution. Gaza should be liberated, the West Bank including East Jerusalem must be liberated. The Palestinian people must be liberated — which, in my view, is also the liberation of the Israeli people. Because, of course, Palestinians are the main victims of occupation and apartheid — but we Israelis are also hostages of the fanaticism that sustains this system.
Multiple European countries announced recognition of a Palestinian state during a summit at the UN General Assembly on Monday. The countries who recognized Palestine today include France, Belgium, Monaco, Luxembourg and Malta. Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal formally recognized Palestine yesterday.
Portugal has officially recognised the Palestinian state, the country‘s Foreign Affairs Minister Paulo Rangel announced in New York on Sunday.
Rangel stated a two-state solution is „the only path to a just and lasting peace“, local media reported.
The current Israeli government is working methodically to prevent the prospect of a Palestinian state from ever being established. It has pursued an unrelenting policy of settlement expansion in the West Bank, which is illegal under international law. Its sustained assault in Gaza has killed tens of thousands of civilians, displaced well over one million people, and caused a devastating and preventable famine in violation of international law. It is now the avowed policy of the current Israeli government that ‘there will be no Palestinian state’.
It is in this context that Canada recognises the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel. Canada does so as part of a co-ordinated international effort to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution. While Canada is under no illusions that this recognition is a panacea, this recognition is firmly aligned with the principles of self-determination and fundamental human rights reflected in the United Nations Charter, and the consistent policy of Canada for generations.
Effective today, Sunday the 21st of September 2025, the Commonwealth of Australia formally recognises the independent and sovereign State of Palestine.
In doing so, Australia recognises the legitimate and long held aspirations of the people of Palestine to a state of their own.
Australia‘s recognition of Palestine today, alongside Canada and the United Kingdom, is part of a co-ordinated international effort to build new momentum for a two-state solution, starting with a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the hostages taken in the atrocities of October 7, 2023.
In the face of the growing horror in the Middle East…
We are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a Two State Solution.
That means a safe and secure Israel…
Alongside a viable Palestinian State –
At the moment, we have neither.
Ordinary people – Israeli and Palestinian…
Deserve to live in peace –
To try to rebuild their lives…
Free from violence and suffering.
That’s what the British people desperately want to see.
The UK, Canada, and Australia have officially announced their recognition of a Palestinian state.
The historic move comes ahead of the UN General Assembly session in New York, which will begin on Monday.
France is expected to imminently follow suit.
French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday highlighted the importance of upcoming talks in New York on a two-state solution in the Middle East, saying the conference would be crucial in rallying the international community behind peace efforts, Anadolu reports.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) have discussed preparations for a two-state solution conference on Palestine, which they will host on September 22 in New York City.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the two leaders discussed the outcomes of a past high-level international conference on resolving the Palestinian issue through a two-state solution, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France on July 28-30.
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.
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.
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.
During the call, the UAE and French presidents emphasized the importance of intensified international efforts to advance the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the two-state solution, viewing it as the path to achieving security and stability in the Middle East. They also reaffirmed their rejection of any Israeli attempts to annex the West Bank or parts of the occupied Palestinian territories or to forcibly displace Palestinians, warning that such actions undermine regional stability and threaten the principle of a two-state solution in line with international legitimacy.
„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.
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.
“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.
The President discussed with the King of Jordan the ongoing developments regarding the convening of the high-level international conference on the Palestinian issue and the two-state solution, scheduled to be held on September 22 at the summit level in New York, under the joint sponsorship of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of France.
The two sides affirmed the continued joint coordination between the two brotherly countries to support the Palestinian position seeking to end the occupation in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions and international law, and to obtain further recognition of the State of Palestine and its full membership in the United Nations.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
(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.”
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Tuesday criticized Israel, saying the Netanyahu government is isolating Israel after it revoked visas for Canberra’s diplomatic representatives to the Palestinian Authority.
The move came a day after Australia denied entry to far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman and former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked. The visa denials followed Canberra’s announcement that it plans to formally recognize a Palestinian state next month.
In a related context, they reiterate their rejection and condemnation of Israel’s crimes of aggression, genocide, and ethnic cleansing. They reaffirm the need for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, along with ensuring unconditional humanitarian access to end the policy of systematic starvation that Israel is pursuing as a weapon of genocide. This requires the immediate lifting of Israel’s deadly blockade on the Strip, the opening of Israel’s crossings with Gaza, and holding Israel, as the Occupying Power, fully responsible for the consequences of its crimes in the Gaza Strip, including the collapse of the health and relief systems. The Foreign Ministers also reiterate their unequivocal rejection of the displacement of the Palestinian people in any form and under any pretext, and call on the international community to exert pressure on Israel to end its aggression and to fully withdraw from the Gaza Strip, in preparation for enabling the creation of conditions conducive to the implementation of the Arab-Islamic plan for early recovery efforts and the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
They reaffirm that the Gaza Strip is an integral part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and emphasize the need for the State of Palestine to assume governance responsibilities in the Gaza Strip as in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, with Arab and international support, and within the political program of the Palestine Liberation Organization, the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, and under a single governing authority, a single legal system, and a single legitimate weapon.
In this regard, they call on the international community, especially the permanent members of the Security Council, particularly the United States of America, to shoulder their legal and moral responsibilities and to take immediate action to compel Israel to halt its ongoing aggression against the Gaza Strip and its dangerous escalation in the Occupied West Bank, to stop the illusory and inciting statements made by its officials, and to provide international protection to the Palestinian people. They further call for enabling the Palestinian people to obtain their legitimate rights, foremost among them the right to establish their independent sovereign state on their national soil, and for holding accountable those responsible for crimes and violations against the Palestinian people.