International Community Unites Behind Two-State Solution for Palestinian-Israeli Conflict

Strategic Insights -

The High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, held from July 28 to July 30, 2025, marked a significant shift in global support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, the conference attracted massive participation, with 160 out of 193 member countries of the UN attending, and 125 countries extending full support to the idea. The conference resulted in the adoption of the New York Declaration, a structured and phased pathway to the establishment of an independent, governable Palestinian state.

Key Takeaways:

  • The conference represented a collective endeavour of the international community to revive the two-state solution, with 160 out of 193 member countries attending and 125 countries extending full support.
  • The New York Declaration outlines a structured and phased pathway to the establishment of an independent, governable Palestinian state, addressing critical questions on governance, security, and institutional support.
  • The declaration calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, followed by the establishment of a PA-led transitional administrative committee, and demands Hamas to disarm and hand over authority to the PA.
  • France, the UK, and Canada have announced their intention to recognize Palestine in September, reflecting a shift in the position of key G7 countries towards Israel.
  • Germany, Italy, Spain, Norway, Ireland, and the Netherlands have either halted or placed restrictions on military exports to Israel, while the European Commission has initiated a formal review of the EU-Israel trade agreement.
  • The Netherlands has designated Israel as a national security risk and placed targeted sanctions and travel bans on two key ministers in the Netanyahu government.
  • The conference has led to the following game-changing outcomes:

+ Representing a collective endeavour to revive the two-state solution at a critical time.

+ A vital expression of multilateral diplomacy, demonstrating the potential to bring the protracted Israel-Palestine conflict to an end.

+ Providing much-needed moral clarity, upholding the foundational principle of self-determination as mandated by the UN Charter and UNSC resolutions.

+ Shaping the dynamics within the UN Security Council, General Assembly, and international law forums.

+ Increasing support from G-7 countries and strengthening the voices of the Arab world and Global South calling for accountability of Israel for its war crimes.

Statistics:

  • 160 out of 193 member countries of the UN attended the conference.
  • 125 countries extended full support to the two-state solution.
  • 40-50 participating countries were represented by their ministers.
  • 8 thematic working groups were established to discuss security, narrative for peace, economic viability, humanitarian action, and other critical issues.
  • The New York Declaration has been presented to member countries, with a deadline of early September for endorsement.
  • France, the UK, and Canada have announced their intention to recognize Palestine in September.
  • Germany, Italy, Spain, Norway, Ireland, and the Netherlands have taken steps to restrict military exports to Israel.

Sources:

  • United Nations General Assembly resolutions
  • France and Saudi Arabia's joint statement
  • The New York Declaration
  • Interviews with high-ranking officials from participating countries
  • Official statements from the European Union, the European Commission, and individual EU countries
  • Reports from human rights organizations and international law forums
  • Official announcements from France, the UK, and Canada on recognizing Palestine