UN two-state conference sees growing international recognition of Palestine, pledges to rebuild Gaza
Al-Khamisa News Network - Gaza
The United Nations headquarters in New York on Monday evening hosted a “two-state solution” conference convened by Saudi Arabia and France with the participation of Arab and Western leaders, while both the United States and Israel boycotted it. The event included announcements of official recognition of the State of Palestine by several additional countries, alongside pledges to support the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
Rapid international recognitions
French President Emmanuel Macron announced his country’s official recognition of the State of Palestine, saying the move “opens the way to a peace plan and breaks the cycle of violence.” He said France will open an embassy in the Palestinian territories as soon as a ceasefire in Gaza is reached and prisoners are released.
Belgium, Luxembourg and Malta also announced their official recognition of the State of Palestine in separate remarks delivered by their prime ministers at the United Nations podium.
The announcements came one day after Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal recognised Palestine, bringing the total number of countries recognising it to 154 states out of 193 UN member states since the late President Yasser Arafat declared the Palestinian state in 1988.
Arab and regional positions
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, who spoke on behalf of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, described the conference as “a historic opportunity to achieve a just peace,” and affirmed the kingdom’s commitment to work with all parties to stop what is happening in Gaza and to consolidate a Palestinian state.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas took part via video after being denied a U.S. entry visa, saying that “the State of Palestine is the only authority authorised to govern Gaza, and Hamas has no role in that,” and stressing Palestinians’ desire to live side by side with Israel in peace.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II called for an immediate end to the war and the implementation of the two-state solution, noting that the United Nations “for 80 years has met almost annually to condemn the injustice faced by the Palestinian people without reaching a lasting solution.”
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said the holding of the conference was “a historic opportunity that must be seized,” and affirmed that recognizing Palestine and making it a reality on the ground is the only way to achieve security and peace.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stressed that the Palestinian issue “has become a matter for the entire world,” congratulated the countries that announced recognition of Palestine, and expressed hope that these steps will accelerate the implementation of the two-state solution.
International support and Gaza reconstruction
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for an end to the war in Gaza and the release of prisoners, saying that “the two-state solution is the only plan for peace.” She also announced the formation of an international donor group for the State of Palestine, along with the establishment of a dedicated mechanism to rebuild the Gaza Strip.
Conference background
The conference began its sessions last July (July 28-30) with high-level participation co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, broad Palestinian attendance and a U.S. absence, aiming to advance international recognition of the Palestinian state and bolster prospects for implementing the two-state solution.
