UN Backs Two-State Solution, Urges Israel to Recognize Palestinian State

International Efforts to End the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

At a high-level United Nations conference, representatives from various countries urged Israel to commit to the establishment of a Palestinian state. The discussions emphasized a strong endorsement of the two-state solution, highlighting a collective global effort to bring an end to one of the world’s most enduring conflicts.

The “New York Declaration” outlines a step-by-step approach aimed at resolving the nearly eight-decade-long conflict and the ongoing war in Gaza. The plan envisions an independent, demilitarized Palestine living in peaceful coexistence with Israel, eventually integrating into the broader Middle East region.

This meeting is taking place against the backdrop of reports indicating that starvation and famine are affecting parts of Gaza. There is growing international concern over the lack of food access for Palestinians, which Israel denies. Due to the significance of the discussions, the meeting was extended into Wednesday as representatives from approximately 50 countries had not yet spoken.

Opposition from Key Players

Despite the international push for a two-state solution, Israel remains opposed. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently rejected the idea of a two-state solution, citing nationalistic and security concerns. Israel's close ally, the United States, also chose to boycott the conference, calling it “unproductive and ill-timed.”

Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon criticized the participation of around 125 countries in the conference, stating that some nations fight against terrorists while others turn a blind eye or resort to appeasement.

The conference, originally scheduled for June and downgraded from world leaders to ministers, marked a significant shift by establishing eight high-level working groups. These groups will examine and propose solutions related to the two-state solution.

A Historic Condemnation of Hamas

The declaration includes a notable condemnation of the attacks carried out by Hamas against civilians in southern Israel on October 7, 2023. This marks the first time Arab nations have condemned Hamas, whose attacks resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 mainly Israeli civilians and the taking of about 250 hostages, with around 50 still being held.

In addition, the declaration condemns Israel’s attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Gaza, including its “siege and starvation,” which have led to a devastating humanitarian catastrophe and protection crisis. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s offensive against Hamas, though the ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.

Steps Toward a Palestinian State

The conference plan proposes that the Palestinian Authority govern and control all Palestinian territory, with a transitional administrative committee established under its umbrella after a ceasefire in Gaza. It states that Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority.

The declaration supports the deployment of a temporary international stabilization mission under U.N. auspices to protect Palestinian civilians, support the transfer of security to the Palestinian Authority, and provide security guarantees for both Palestine and Israel—including monitoring of the ceasefire and future peace agreements.

The document calls for the recognition of the state of Palestine, emphasizing this as an essential component of achieving the two-state solution. Without explicitly naming Israel, the declaration notes that illegal unilateral actions pose an existential threat to the realization of an independent Palestinian state.

Recognition of Palestine by Major Western Powers

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will recognize the state of Palestine during the General Assembly's meeting of world leaders in late September. The French Foreign Ministry refuted Israeli claims that recognizing Palestine would “reward” Hamas, stating that it has instead contributed to isolating the group.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Britain would recognize the state of Palestine before the September meeting but would refrain if Israel agrees to a ceasefire and long-term peace process within the next eight weeks. These two countries are now the largest Western powers and the only members of the Group of Seven major industrialized nations to make such a pledge.

A separate statement titled the “New York Call” was circulated by France, but it was considered too strong, especially for Arab nations. Only 15 Western countries, including six that have recognized the state of Palestine and nine others, approved the statement. The statement encourages all countries to join the call for the recognition of Palestine as an essential step toward the two-state solution.