Following recognition of the State of Palestine, “New York 2” conference opens to implement two-state solution
Al-Khamisa News Network - Gaza
The “New York 2” conference on the two-state solution and recognition of the State of Palestine is being held today, Monday, at the level of heads of state and leaders, under joint Saudi–French sponsorship. It was first held last July at the foreign minister level and resulted in the “New York Declaration”, which recently received broad support from the United Nations General Assembly.
Accelerating recognitions for Palestine
Coinciding with the conference, Palestine witnessed what were described as “historic moments”, receiving 10 new recognitions, bringing the number of states recognizing it to 159 out of 193 UN member states.
The announcements by Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal yesterday, Sunday, recognizing the State of Palestine marked an unprecedented shift in the policies of these countries, traditionally allied with Israel. The move comes after nearly two years of war in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli position
The step provoked widespread anger in Israel, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to confront the recognitions, saying in a video message to the leaders of the four countries: “No Palestinian state will be established,” arguing that the creation of a Palestinian state threatens Israel’s existence and pledging to wage a political battle at the United Nations.
The Israeli government also hinted at taking practical measures on the ground, including expanding settlements and breaking up the West Bank into isolated enclaves.
UN stance
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged the international community not to yield to Israeli threats, stressing that “Israel is proceeding with the destruction of Gaza and the annexation of the West Bank regardless of reactions.”
Protests in Europe
Meanwhile, Italy is witnessing an unprecedented wave of protests in support of Palestine today, coinciding with a general strike called by the USB union.
Organisers announced more than 75 events across Italian cities in a mobilisation described as exceptional in the country’s history, calling on authorities to stop cooperation with Israel, to halt the genocide in Gaza, and to support the “Global Steadfastness Fleet” heading to the Strip.
Palestinian moves
Ambassador Ahmad al-Deek, political adviser to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, said Palestine will build on these recognitions to seek full United Nations membership instead of its current “observer state” status.
He said diplomatic and political efforts are focused on:
Holding the occupation to account for its crimes.
Ending unilateral Israeli measures.
Implementing decisions of international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative.
Strengthening the State of Palestine’s international legal personality.
Expanding and developing relations with supportive countries.
The “New York 2” conference, together with the successive recognitions of the State of Palestine, carries significant implications that could mark a political and legal turning point in the Palestinian cause amid continued field escalation in Gaza and the West Bank.
