Conference on two-state solution to Israel-Palestinian conflict begins at UN
France and Saudi Arabia led the call for the gathering to be held. It is aimed at raising public approval for a proposal for Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in peace and security through two states.
Delegates from 125 countries and territories are attending.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at the opening of the session that the two-state solution is "farther than ever before," recognizing that the proposal currently faces a difficult situation.
Guterres added that the two-state solution "remains the only framework rooted in international law, endorsed by this Assembly, and supported by the international community."
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa called on Israel to go back to the principle of the two-state solution. He said: "This conference is also a message to the Israelis that there is a path to peace and regional integration. It will be achieved through our independence, not our destruction."
Participants observed a moment of silence for all the people who have died since October 2023.
The topics of discussion included the recognition of a Palestinian state and the disarmament of the Islamic group Hamas. Many of the participants called for an immediate ceasefire and criticized the expansion of Israel's settlement activity in the West Bank as an obstacle for peace.
The United States and Israel were absent from the conference. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to take a negative stance on the two-state solution.
Israel's Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon said on Monday, "This conference does not promote a solution, but rather deepens the illusion." He criticized the organizers of the meeting, saying they "are engaging in discussions and plenaries that are disconnected from reality."
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