Saudi and French-led conference sets 15-month deadline for Palestinian statehood
NEW YORK — A high-level international conference co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France concluded in New York with the adoption of a detailed, time-bound roadmap to establish a sovereign Palestinian state within 15 months, reviving global momentum for the two-state solution.
The final communiqué, endorsed by participating nations, emphasized that "war, occupation, and displacement cannot bring peace" and affirmed the two-state solution as the only viable path to meet the aspirations of both Palestinians and Israelis.
The document outlined a comprehensive framework covering political, security, legal, humanitarian, and economic pillars.
The plan includes the immediate establishment of a transitional governance committee in Gaza under the Palestinian Authority's umbrella and calls for the full unification of Gaza and the West Bank.
'Gaza is an integral part of the Palestinian state and must be reunited with the West Bank,' the statement read.
The declaration urged Israel to publicly commit to the two-state solution and cease incitement and violence against Palestinians.
It also rejected any forced displacement of Palestinians and called for an immediate end to the war in Gaza.
Participants condemned the October 7 Hamas attacks and Israeli military operations against civilians, reaffirming that hostage-taking violates international law.
The statement demanded that Hamas release all captives and relinquish control of Gaza, adding that all weapons must be handed over to Palestinian security forces.
The document denounced the use of starvation as a method of warfare and called for the urgent and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
It endorsed the creation of an international fund for Gaza reconstruction and supported the Arab-led rebuilding initiative.
It also welcomed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's pledge to hold general elections within one year and emphasized the 'one authority, one weapon' policy under the Palestinian Authority.
On refugee matters, the statement reaffirmed the indispensable role of UNRWA and noted that its services would be transitioned to the Palestinian Authority following a just solution to the refugee issue.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the conference 'rescued the two-state solution, which had been at serious risk,' while Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan called the final document an 'actionable blueprint' and urged countries to formally endorse it by communicating with the Saudi and French missions before the conclusion of the 79th United Nations General Assembly.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom said it intends to recognize Palestinian statehood in September unless 'substantive steps' are taken by Israel to end the 'appalling' situation in Gaza.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the recognition aligns with longstanding Labour policy and a broader peace framework being advanced by his government.
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