The Global Alliance confirms that the two-state solution is a basis for regional peace, despite the challenges

The Global Alliance to Implement the Two-State Solution affirmed on Thursday that resolving the Palestinian issue constitutes the basis for regional peace and integration, based on the Arab Peace Initiative, the New York Declaration, and the Comprehensive Peace Plan.

This came in a joint statement following a ministerial meeting on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, one year after the adoption of the “New York Declaration,” with the participation of the Palestinian Prime Minister, nearly 100 countries and organizations, and the High Representative of the Peace Council in Gaza.

The co-chairs stressed that the two-state solution is the only internationally agreed upon path that guarantees the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, achieving permanent security for Israel, and establishing peace in the entire region, noting that it enjoys stronger international consensus than it has in years, despite the escalating danger of the chances of achieving it, but they still exist.

They expressed their deep concern about developments on the ground that undermine the foundations of the two-state solution, and said that settlement expansion, including the “E1” plan, along with demolitions, policies of forced displacement, annexation and threats against them, and unprecedented settler violence, undermine the unity and geographical connectivity of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

The statement also called for stopping these measures, holding those responsible for settler violence accountable, and preserving the existing historical and legal status in the holy places in Holy Jerusalem.

The participants reaffirmed their vision of “One Palestine.” Two countries. A region enjoying peace,” noting that “Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, constitute a single Palestinian territorial unit, and the occupation must end.”

The statement affirmed that the right of the Palestinian people is inalienable to self-determination and to establish its independent, sovereign, democratic, geographically contiguous and viable state, living side by side with Israel in security and peace on the basis of the 1967 lines, in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.

He stressed that the New York Declaration, the Comprehensive Peace Plan, and Security Council Resolution 2803 reinforce each other, and that Gaza cannot have a separate political future, stressing that “the transitional arrangements must lead to its reunification with the West Bank under the authority of a single legitimate Palestinian government,” and reiterated support for the Peace Council, the Office of the High Representative, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, and the International Stabilization Force in performing the tasks assigned to each of them.

The participants called for the consolidation of the ceasefire in Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas and all armed groups, and the complete Israeli withdrawal through reliable and verifiable implementation, as well as support for the transitional phase in the security field, including the International Stabilization Force and the training of a Palestinian police force whose members are subject to scrutiny.

They called for the rapid, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to all parts of the Gaza Strip, especially through the United Nations and its agencies, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), as well as the immediate start of early recovery and reconstruction, supported by coordinated and reliable funding.

The statement expressed concern about the financial and institutional pressures facing the Palestinian Authority, and stressed that its financial sustainability must be maintained, including the release of all withheld clearing funds.

The participants noted “support for Palestinian-led reform and renewal of institutions, including through elections, and we call on all parties to facilitate the holding of the next national elections.” We also call on donors to provide direct aid to support the Palestinian Authority.”

They stressed their rejection of terrorism and incitement, and said: “This is a political and regional conflict that can be resolved, and it should not be portrayed as a religious conflict,” adding that “religious leaders and communities can contribute to consolidating coexistence, preserving human dignity, supporting peace, and preventing extremists from using religion to justify terrorism, violence, exclusion, or domination.”

The participants renewed their commitment to respect international law, the relevant United Nations resolutions, and the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice on July 19, 2024, stressing that the “Global Alliance” will continue to support the national commitments and actions taken within the framework of the “New York Declaration.”

The statement pointed to the firm commitment to the establishment of a Palestinian state and not separating Gaza from the West Bank. It also informed the Israelis that placing obstacles in the way of the two-state solution will not achieve lasting security, and that a peaceful future alongside an independent Palestinian state is still possible. It made clear to the international community that the proposed option is to act now to preserve the two-state solution and embody it on the ground, or risk undermining its components.