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United Nations

UN Hosts Conference on Two-State Solution to Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Government ministers from more than 100 countries gathered at the United Nations for a two-day conference on a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The conference, delayed from June due to the war between Israel and Iran, aims to promote the creation of separate Israeli and Palestinian nations. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized that the two-state solution remains the only framework rooted in international law, endorsed by the international community, and supported by the Security Council.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.N. General Assembly adopted a resolution backing two states in December 2024, and Israel has been a U.N. member since May 11, 1949.
  • Palestinians' bid for full U.N. membership was vetoed by the United States in the 15-member Security Council in 2024.
  • The two-state solution has been debated for decades, with recent tensions escalating since the war between Israel and Hamas in October 2023.
  • French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot emphasized the importance of "concrete steps" towards the two-state solution, including official recognition of Palestine, normalized relations with Israel, and Hamas disarmament.
  • U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the challenges of the conflict, including the relentless expansion of settlements, annexation of territory, and the killing of tens of thousands of citizens and starvation in Gaza.
  • The conference aimed to provide a "rare and indispensable opportunity" to realize the two-state solution and achieve a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
  • Bob Rae, Canada's ambassador to the U.N., stated that the conference was not a peace conference but rather a way to maintain the debate and find solutions.

Statistics:

  • Over 100 countries represented at the conference.
  • 2.2 million people on the Gaza Strip, and 3 million in the West Bank, make up the Palestinian population.
  • Israel has a population of 9.8 million, including 7.2 million Jews, and is surrounded by Arab nations: Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Saudi Arabia.
  • The war between Israel and Iran delayed the conference from June.
  • The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution backing two states in December 2024.

Sources:

  • UPI, July 28 (UPI)
  • United Nations General Assembly, December 2024, Resolution backing two states.

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