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Arab-Israeli conflicts

Momentum for Two-State Solution Grows Amid Hurdles for Israeli-Palestinian Peace

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

In a rare display of international cooperation, the United Nations conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia demonstrated that a majority of its 193 member nations believe a two-state solution is possible. About 160 nations participated, with 125 speaking in support of an independent Palestinian state living in peace with Israel. This momentum is significant, considering the decades-long conflict between the two nations and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's opposition to a Palestinian state.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN conference was notable for being co-chaired by an Arab and Western nation, setting a precedent for international cooperation.
  • Over 145 countries recognize an independent Palestinian state, with three members of the Group of Seven, France, the UK, and Canada, pledging new recognition.
  • The conference resulted in the "New York Declaration," a seven-page document outlining key issues for a two-state solution, including security, political reforms, humanitarian assistance, and economic development.
  • The declaration was endorsed by the European Union and the Arab League, and its signatories urged Israel to commit to a Palestinian state.
  • The document contains stronger language condemning Hamas's attacks against civilians and calling for the Palestinian Authority to take charge of Gaza.
  • Richard Gowan, the International Crisis Group's U.N. director, credits French President Emmanuel Macron for raising the level of ambition for the conference and making it more symbolically significant.
  • The meeting gave states like France, Britain, and Canada the opportunity to signal their discontent with Israeli policy and provided Palestinians with "political ammunition" for a peaceful road to statehood.

Statistics:

  • 193 UN member nations participated in the conference.
  • 125 nations spoke in support of an independent Palestinian state.
  • 40-50 government ministers were represented at the conference.
  • Over 2 million Palestinians are at risk of famine due to an ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
  • 145 countries recognize an independent Palestinian state.
  • Three members of the Group of Seven (G7) - France, the UK, and Canada - pledged new recognition of the Palestinian state.
  • The Arab League's 22 member nations condemned Hamas's attacks against civilians for the first time.

Sources:

  • New Delhi Times, August 5
  • Associated Press (Jerome Bonnafont interview)
  • International Crisis Group (Richard Gowan statement)
  • New York Times (Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan statement)

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