Draft UN declaration signals renewed push for 'Two‑State Solution'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
29 Jul 2025 22:50
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At a UN conference hosted by Saudi Arabia and France, a joint declaration was adopted outlining irreversible steps toward a "Two‑State Solution".

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British Foreign Secretary David Lammy embraces Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa after Lammy spoke during a United Nations conference on a "Two-State Solution" for the Question of Palestine, at United Nations headquarters on July 29, 2025, in New York City. (AFP)

At a high-level international conference on Palestine convened at United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York, and co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France, participating nations adopted a landmark joint document, now dubbed the "New York Declaration", outlining steps toward a resolution of the Question of Palestine.

According to the final text obtained by Al Mayadeen, the declaration reflects a broad international consensus on launching coordinated actions to end "Israel’s" aggression on Gaza and pursue the "Two-State Solution" as “the only viable path” to regional stability.

The declaration affirms that recent developments in Gaza have imposed a horrific human cost and exposed the dangers of prolonging the conflict. Participating states expressed unanimous commitment to working toward a comprehensive, just, and lasting settlement grounded in international law.

'Two-State Solution' framed as irreversible path forward

The declaration stresses that ending the Israeli occupation and implementing the "Two-State Solution" is the only way to fulfill the legitimate aspirations of both Palestinians and Israelis. It commits participants to a set of time-bound and irreversible measures toward peace, including a ceasefire in Gaza and steps toward Palestinian self-determination.

The statement affirms that the Gaza Strip is an inseparable part of the future Palestinian state, and must be free of occupation, siege, forced displacement, and geographic fragmentation. It also specifies that the Palestinian Authority (PA) shall have exclusive responsibility over governance, security, and rule of law in the Strip, supported by appropriate international mechanisms.

Reconstruction, stabilization force, Palestinian unity

The declaration endorses the Gaza Reconstruction Plan proposed by the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. It further calls for the formation of a Palestinian-led transitional administrative committee under PA supervision and the deployment of a temporary international stabilization mission under UN auspices.

It also welcomes the commitments of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and calls for general and presidential elections within one year across all Palestinian territories, including occupied East al-Quds. The statement affirms the importance of preserving the legal and historical status of al-Quds's holy sites, and expresses support for the Hashemite custodianship over the Islamic and Christian sanctities.

Demands to 'Israel', preparation for 'Peace Day'

The declaration calls on Israeli leadership to publicly commit to the "Two-State Solution", halt all settlement activity, annexation attempts, and acts of violence, and warns against any unilateral or violent actions that could derail the peace process.

Participants also announced preparations for a future “Peace Day”, grounded in existing Arab and European peace initiatives, aiming to produce tangible gains for both Palestinians and Israelis under international sponsorship.

The conference, officially titled the International Conference on Resolving the Palestinian Issue and the "Two-State Solution", brought together dozens of countries, regional blocs, and international organizations, including civil society representatives.

UK conditions recognition on Israeli commitments

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced during the summit that the United Kingdom will recognize the State of Palestine by September 2025, unless "Israel" takes “credible and concrete steps” toward peace. These include an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, cessation of annexation plans in the West Bank, and a clear commitment to the "two-state framework".

Starmer emphasized that recognition must not be symbolic but part of a comprehensive peace roadmap, signaling a marked policy shift from previous UK governments.