Latest news with #Israel-Palestinian
UPI
20 hours ago
- Politics
- UPI
Canada to recognize Palestinian state in September as 2-state solution
July 30 (UPI) -- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday his nation will recognize a Palestinian state in September, mirroring decisions by Britain and France in the past week. Israel has consistently rejected the two-state solution of separate Israel and Palestinian states. And the nation's strong ally, the United States, has opposed the recognition. This position comes as government ministers from more than 100 countries on Monday and Tuesday gathered at the United Nations to consider a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. In December 2024, the U.N. General Assembly adopted a resolution backing two states. Concern has been heightened because an Israel blockade has led to widespread famine on the Gaza Strip as the Hamas-run Health Ministry said Tuesday the death toll has passed 60,000, mostly civilians. "Preserving a two-state solution means standing with all people who choose peace over violence or terrorism, and honoring their innate desire for the peaceful co-existence of Israeli and Palestinian states as the only roadmap for a secure and prosperous future," Carney said during a news conference. He said the Palestinian Authority must conduct an election in 2026, as well as commit to other democratic reforms. This is achievable, Mona Abuamara, the former chief representative of the Palestinian General Delegation to Canada, told CBC's Power & Politics. "The Palestinian people have been living hell for two years," she said. "They know what they want. They need the opportunity to actually build their own state." British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Tuesday they will recognize a Palestinian state if Israel doesn't agree to a cease-fire by September. French President Emmanuel Macron didn't stipulate conditions Thursday that would be deal breakers. Carney said he has spoken to both leaders in the past few days. "In our judgment, and the judgment of others, the prospect of a Palestinian state is literally receding before our eyes," Carney said. "Working with others to support the possibility of a Palestinian state establishes that." Like Britain and France, Canada plans to formally recognize the state of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly. Several nations, including Spain, Norway and Ireland, have recognized the Palestinian state during the war, which began when Hamas invaded Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. "Canada will always steadfastly support Israel's existence as an independent state in the Middle East, living in peace and security," Carney said at the news conference. "Any path to lasting peace for Israel also requires a viable and stable Palestinian state and one that recognizes Israel's inalienable right to security." Palestinians are under two jurisdictions. The Palestinian Authority controls parts of the West Bank and militant Hamas governs the Gaza Strip. Neither one of them have had elections since 2006. Carney said he doesn't want Hamas involved in the process, including an election. He criticized Hamas' role in the war and called for the release of the remaining Israeli hostages. Previously, Canada acknowledged a Palestinian state with a negotiated peace settlement between Israel and Palestinian leadership. The Canadian Conservative Party denounced the new stance. "A unilateral declaration of Palestinian statehood, without peace negotiations or a renunciation of violence, destroys the path to a lasting, two-state solution," the statement to the CBC said. "Worse, it legitimizes terrorism by handing political rewards to a group that rules Gaza through fear, oppression and brutality." Israel, with a population of 9.8 million, including 7.2 million Jews, is surrounded by Arab nations: Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Saudi Arabia. And Palestinians include 2.2 million people on the Gaza Strip, and 3 million in the West Bank. In 1947, Britain's mandate over Palestine ended with a U.N. partition plan to divide the territory into Jewish and Arab states. Israel accepted the plan but Arab nations declared war without the two-state solution implemented. Jordan took control of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and Egypt had oversight of Gaza. In the 1967 Mideast war, Israel captured those territories. From a military standpoint, Israel controls both areas and Palestinians' movement into Israel is restricted. The Jewish state has established numerous settlements in the West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law. Israel has always been opposed to the two-state solution. "The change in the position of the Canadian government at this time is a reward for Hamas and harms the efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and a framework for the release of the hostages," Israel's Foreign Ministry said. "Let us be clear: Israel will not bow to the distorted campaign of international pressure against it," Israel's Ambassador to Canada Iddo Moed said in an X post from the embassy. "We will not sacrifice our very existence by permitting the imposition of a jihadist state on our ancestral homeland that seeks our annihilation." U.S. presidential administrations have backed the two-state solution, including Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Joe Biden. But Donald Trump in both times as president hasn't had that policy, including recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Arabs live in East Jerusalem but most do not hold Israeli citizenship. After Macron's announcement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on X: "The United States strongly rejects @EmmanuelMacron's plan to recognize a Palestinian state at the @UN General Assembly. This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th." Israel has been a U.N. member since May 11, 1949. Palestinians' bid for full U.N. membership was vetoed by the United States in the 15-member Security Council in 2024. Ultimately, the 193-member General Assembly overwhelmingly upgraded Palestine's rights as an observer state.
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
SA pushes for two-state solution in Palestine, peace must prevail'
Israel's closest ally, the United States, was absent from the conference. South Africa has reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution in the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict, which has dominated the Middle East. International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, speaking at the United Nations International Conference on Tuesday, emphasised that discussions on the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine are crucial. Lasting peace 'This conference takes place at a time when we are witnessing the destruction of Gaza and its people in real time, in a brazen and wanton act of genocide in full view of the world,' Lamola said 'Despite this challenging context, in which the international legal and multilateral system has been paralysed and turned into a blunt tool, the focus today on a real path to lasting peace must prevail. 'The might is right doctrine can no longer be justified. It has led to perpetual insecurity, and it justifies an attempt to eradicate the Palestinian people through killing and starvation,' Lamola said. ALSO READ: Trump contradicts Netanyahu, Palestinians in Gaza facing 'real starvation' [VIDEO] Palestinian statehood During the conference, which was not attended by Israel's closest ally, the United States, Lamola said South Africa is 'anti-war and prefers dialogue over violence'. He stressed the following points as fundamental to restoring the credibility of the two-state solution. 'All states must urgently recognise Palestinian statehood, and the territorial integrity and contiguity of Palestine should be established and respected. In this regard, South Africa welcomes the intentions of recognition of the State of Palestine by France as an important step towards achieving a two-state solution.' Lamola stressed that there cannot be peace while the very existence of the Palestinian people is being threatened by Israel's continued genocidal actions in Gaza and the forced displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank. 'This is part of a systematic pattern of injustices and oppression of Palestinians since the adoption of Resolution 181 and the subsequent Nakba in 1948. These actions must be condemned, and the UN Security Council must act to protect the Palestinian people in whole and in part.' South Africa is anti-war and prefers dialogue over violence. Global attention is on this Conference. There is an expectation that we will deliver an effective response to the destruction of an entire population and a peaceful path for preserving the prospect of a viable… — Minister: International Relations and Cooperation (@RonaldLamola) July 29, 2025 ALSO READ: Israel accused of starving Gaza 'by design' — South Africa addresses ICJ Two-state solution Thirdly, he said, preserving the viability of the two-state solution must include promoting safeguards such as the full respect for international law, including international humanitarian law, and human rights law. 'It is necessary for the immediate and full implementation of resolutions of the United Nations and the Provisional measures, as well as Advisory Opinions of the International Court of Justice.' Lamola reiterated that not only Israel, but all states, must comply with the collective obligations under international law. 'We all have a duty to preserve the sanctity of international law and ensure accountability. It's against this backdrop that we have seen the establishment of The Hague Group, and the recent meeting of the Madrid Group to elevate the primacy of international law, promote accountability and ensure a just peace.' Obstacles Lamola added that all obstacles to the two-state solution should be removed. 'The halting of illegal Israeli settlement expansion, the removal of the illegal separation wall cutting across the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the resumption of all internationally reputable humanitarian relief efforts and the reconstruction of Gaza, which of course can only take place once there is peace.' Reminder Lamola reminded his counterparts that global attention was on this Conference. 'There is an expectation that we will deliver an effective response to the destruction of an entire population and a peaceful path for preserving the prospect of a viable Palestinian State existing side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security. 'This expectation is not misplaced, and it could not be higher. Eighty years since the founding of the United Nations, this is a matter that has plagued our collective conscience. The solution lies with a tangible re-commitment from all of us to the values that bind us,' Lamola said. UK to recognise Palestine On Tuesday, the British prime minister announced that the UK would recognise a Palestinian state should Israel not agree to a Gaza ceasefire by September. 'I have always said that we will recognise a Palestinian state as a contribution to a proper peace process at the moment of maximum impact for the two-state solution,' British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a press briefing after a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. 'I can confirm the UK will recognise the State of Palestine by the United Nations General Assembly in September, unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, agree to a ceasefire and commit to a long-term sustainable peace, reviving the prospect of a two-state solution.' France France commended Starmer's announcement on Tuesday, with the country's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot saying the UK 'joins today in the momentum created by France for the recognition of the State of Palestine.' Israel's foreign ministry said the move harms efforts to implement a ceasefire in Gaza and release the remaining hostages held in the territory. ALSO READ: Israeli strikes kill children collecting water in Gaza
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
India reiterates support at UN for two-state solution to Israel conflict
India told a high-level UN conference that global efforts must now focus on achieving a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict through "purposeful dialogue and diplomacy". It also said that one should not be content with paper solutions but strive to achieve practical ones. India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish said on Tuesday that deliberations during the preparation for the UN High-Level International Conference on The Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution' confirm that the international community continues to believe there is no substitute for a two-state solution. He said the conference offers an opportunity to reflect on the path traversed so far in the journey towards achieving peace through a two-state solution. Our efforts must now focus on how to bring about a two-state solution through purposeful dialogue and diplomacy, and bringing the parties to the conflict to engage directly with each other," Harish said. "Reaffirmation of support must take the form of actionable steps that pave the way for the two-state solution. Identification of such steps and their implementation modalities demand our collective attention and effort, he said in the UN General Assembly. The high-level conference on July 28-30 is co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France. A 25-page outcome document titled New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution' asserted that the war in Gaza must end now and Hamas must free all hostages. In the context of ending the war in Gaza, Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, the outcome document said. It added that following a ceasefire, a transitional administrative committee must be immediately established to operate in Gaza under the umbrella of the Palestinian Authority. Harish noted that certain action points are emerging from the UN conference, and following up on them is the key. "Let us not be content with paper solutions but strive to achieve practical solutions that actually make a tangible difference in the daily lives of our Palestinian brothers and sisters, he said, expressing India's complete readiness to contribute to this noble endeavour. Harish said India has been clear on the measures that must be undertaken in the short term. These include an immediate ceasefire, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian assistance, release of all hostages, and the path of dialogue and diplomacy. "There are no alternatives to these measures, he said. Noting that in 1988 India became one of the first countries to recognise the State of Palestine with firm support and commitment to the two-state solution, Harish underlined that the overall sentiment in this forum is clear. It is also India's earnest desire to see peace and calm prevail in the Middle East. Lasting solutions are required to achieve this, he said. Asserting that humanitarian aid to Gaza needs to flow without impediments, India said Palestinians in Gaza must have access to food, fuel and other basic necessities without hindrance. Humanitarian assistance is vital in sustaining life and must remain outside the realm of politics or conflict, Harish said, underlining that the humanitarian assistance pillar demands our immediate attention and action. India voiced concern that the human suffering in Gaza continues unabated, tens of thousands have been killed, several medical facilities damaged or destroyed, and children deprived of schooling for more than 20 months. India also stressed that the plight of the hostages should not be forgotten. There can be no justification whatsoever for terrorism, for addressing any root cause or political grievance. Noting that civilians, including women and children, have the right to lead normal lives, India said that in the years ahead, meticulous reconstruction and rehabilitation" efforts of a substantially large scale will be required. Highlighting the vital aspect of security, India said a stable arrangement that suitably caters to the security needs of both sides is necessary. Neither party should feel insecure. A sovereign, viable and independent State of Palestine within recognised and mutually agreed borders, living side by side with Israel in peace and security, is a prerequisite for enduring peace and sustainable development. India further said that while aid and support are essential for the Palestinian people in rebuilding their lives, it is equally important to create hope and economic structures conducive for investment and employment. India has been making concerted efforts to bring about a tangible impact on the daily lives of the Palestinian people by implementing human-centric projects in diverse sectors. The total commitment by India on this front stands at around USD 160 million. Economic prospects and viability for a Palestinian state are crucial, Harish said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the conference that the central question for Middle East peace is the implementation of the two-state solution. My central question to those who stand in the way is this: What is the alternative? Guterres said, questioning whether the alternative is a one-state reality where Palestinians are denied equal rights, and forced to live under perpetual occupation and inequality or a one-state reality where Palestinians are expelled from their land. That is not peace. That is not justice. That is not in accordance with international law. And that is not acceptable, the UN chief said. Guterres stressed that statehood for the Palestinians is a right, not a reward. And the denial of statehood would be a gift to extremists everywhere. UN agencies warn that key food and nutrition indicators in Gaza have exceeded famine thresholds, reaching their worst levels so far.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
India reiterates support at UN for two-state solution to Israel-Palestinian conflict
India told a high-level UN conference that global efforts must now focus on achieving a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict through "purposeful dialogue and diplomacy". It also said that one should not be content with paper solutions but strive to achieve practical ones. India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish said on Tuesday (July 29, 2025) that deliberations during the preparation for the UN High-Level International Conference on 'The Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution' confirm that the international community continues to believe there is no substitute for a two-state solution. He said the conference offers an opportunity to reflect on the path traversed so far in the journey towards achieving peace through a two-state solution. 'Our efforts must now focus on how to bring about a two-state solution through purposeful dialogue and diplomacy, and bringing the parties to the conflict to engage directly with each other," Mr. Harish said. "Reaffirmation of support must take the form of actionable steps that pave the way for the two-state solution. Identification of such steps and their implementation modalities demand our collective attention and effort,' he said in the UN General Assembly. The high-level conference on July 28-30 is co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France. A 25-page outcome document titled 'New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution' asserted that the war in Gaza must end now and Hamas must free all hostages. 'In the context of ending the war in Gaza, Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority,' the outcome document said. It added that following a ceasefire, a transitional administrative committee must be immediately established to operate in Gaza under the umbrella of the Palestinian Authority. Mr. Harish noted that certain action points are emerging from the UN conference, and following up on them is the key. "Let us not be content with paper solutions but strive to achieve practical solutions that actually make a tangible difference in the daily lives of our Palestinian brothers and sisters,' he said, expressing India's complete readiness to contribute to this 'noble endeavour.' Mr. Harish said India has been clear on the measures that must be undertaken in the short term. These include an immediate ceasefire, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian assistance, release of all hostages, and the path of dialogue and diplomacy. "There are no alternatives to these measures,' he said. Noting that in 1988 India became one of the first countries to recognise the State of Palestine with firm support and commitment to the two-state solution, Mr. Harish underlined that the overall sentiment in this forum is clear. 'It is also India's earnest desire to see peace and calm prevail in the Middle East. Lasting solutions are required to achieve this,' he said. Asserting that humanitarian aid to Gaza needs to flow without impediments, India said Palestinians in Gaza must have access to food, fuel and other basic necessities without hindrance. 'Humanitarian assistance is vital in sustaining life and must remain outside the realm of politics or conflict,' Mr. Harish said, underlining that the humanitarian assistance pillar demands 'our immediate attention and action.' India voiced concern that the human suffering in Gaza continues unabated, tens of thousands have been killed, several medical facilities damaged or destroyed, and children deprived of schooling for more than 20 months. India also stressed that the plight of the hostages should not be forgotten. 'There can be no justification whatsoever for terrorism, for addressing any root cause or political grievance.' Noting that civilians, including women and children, have the right to lead normal lives, India said that in the years ahead, 'meticulous reconstruction and rehabilitation" efforts of a substantially large scale will be required. Highlighting the vital aspect of security, India said a stable arrangement that suitably caters to the security needs of both sides is necessary. 'Neither party should feel insecure. A sovereign, viable and independent State of Palestine within recognised and mutually agreed borders, living side by side with Israel in peace and security, is a prerequisite for enduring peace and sustainable development.' India further said that while aid and support are essential for the Palestinian people in rebuilding their lives, it is equally important to create hope and economic structures conducive for investment and employment. India has been making concerted efforts to bring about a tangible impact on the daily lives of the Palestinian people by implementing human-centric projects in diverse sectors. The total commitment by India on this front stands at around $160 million. 'Economic prospects and viability for a Palestinian state are crucial,' Mr. Harish said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the conference that the central question for Middle East peace is the implementation of the two-state solution. 'My central question to those who stand in the way is this: What is the alternative?' Mr. Guterres said, questioning whether the alternative is a one-state reality where Palestinians are denied equal rights, and forced to live under perpetual occupation and inequality or a one-state reality where Palestinians are expelled from their land. 'That is not peace. That is not justice. That is not in accordance with international law. And that is not acceptable,' the UN chief said. Mr. Guterres stressed that statehood for the Palestinians is a right, not a reward. 'And the denial of statehood would be a gift to extremists everywhere.' UN agencies warn that key food and nutrition indicators in Gaza have exceeded famine thresholds, reaching their worst levels so far.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
India reiterates support at UN for two-state solution to Israel-Palestinian conflict
India told a high-level UN conference that global efforts must now focus on achieving a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict through 'purposeful dialogue and diplomacy'. It also said that one should not be content with paper solutions but strive to achieve practical ones. India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish said on Tuesday that deliberations during the preparation for the UN High-Level International Conference on 'The Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution' confirm that the international community continues to believe there is no substitute for a two-state solution. He said the conference offers an opportunity to reflect on the path traversed so far in the journey towards achieving peace through a two-state solution. 'Our efforts must now focus on how to bring about a two-state solution through purposeful dialogue and diplomacy, and bringing the parties to the conflict to engage directly with each other,' Harish said. 'Reaffirmation of support must take the form of actionable steps that pave the way for the two-state solution. Identification of such steps and their implementation modalities demand our collective attention and effort,' he said in the UN General Assembly. The high-level conference on July 28-30 is co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France. A 25-page outcome document titled 'New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution' asserted that the war in Gaza must end now and Hamas must free all hostages. 'In the context of ending the war in Gaza, Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority,' the outcome document said. It added that following a ceasefire, a transitional administrative committee must be immediately established to operate in Gaza under the umbrella of the Palestinian Authority. Harish noted that certain action points are emerging from the UN conference, and following up on them is the key. 'Let us not be content with paper solutions but strive to achieve practical solutions that actually make a tangible difference in the daily lives of our Palestinian brothers and sisters,' he said, expressing India's complete readiness to contribute to this 'noble endeavour.' Harish said India has been clear on the measures that must be undertaken in the short term. These include an immediate ceasefire, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian assistance, release of all hostages, and the path of dialogue and diplomacy. 'There are no alternatives to these measures,' he said. Noting that in 1988 India became one of the first countries to recognise the State of Palestine with firm support and commitment to the two-state solution, Harish underlined that the overall sentiment in this forum is clear. 'It is also India's earnest desire to see peace and calm prevail in the Middle East. Lasting solutions are required to achieve this,' he said. Asserting that humanitarian aid to Gaza needs to flow without impediments, India said Palestinians in Gaza must have access to food, fuel and other basic necessities without hindrance. 'Humanitarian assistance is vital in sustaining life and must remain outside the realm of politics or conflict,' Harish said, underlining that the humanitarian assistance pillar demands 'our immediate attention and action.' India voiced concern that the human suffering in Gaza continues unabated, tens of thousands have been killed, several medical facilities damaged or destroyed, and children deprived of schooling for more than 20 months. India also stressed that the plight of the hostages should not be forgotten. 'There can be no justification whatsoever for terrorism, for addressing any root cause or political grievance.' Noting that civilians, including women and children, have the right to lead normal lives, India said that in the years ahead, 'meticulous reconstruction and rehabilitation' efforts of a substantially large scale will be required. Highlighting the vital aspect of security, India said a stable arrangement that suitably caters to the security needs of both sides is necessary. 'Neither party should feel insecure. A sovereign, viable and independent State of Palestine within recognised and mutually agreed borders, living side by side with Israel in peace and security, is a prerequisite for enduring peace and sustainable development.' India further said that while aid and support are essential for the Palestinian people in rebuilding their lives, it is equally important to create hope and economic structures conducive for investment and employment. India has been making concerted efforts to bring about a tangible impact on the daily lives of the Palestinian people by implementing human-centric projects in diverse sectors. The total commitment by India on this front stands at around USD 160 million. 'Economic prospects and viability for a Palestinian state are crucial,' Harish said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the conference that the central question for Middle East peace is the implementation of the two-state solution. 'My central question to those who stand in the way is this: What is the alternative?' Guterres said, questioning whether the alternative is a one-state reality where Palestinians are denied equal rights, and forced to live under perpetual occupation and inequality or a one-state reality where Palestinians are expelled from their land. 'That is not peace. That is not justice. That is not in accordance with international law. And that is not acceptable,' the UN chief said. Guterres stressed that statehood for the Palestinians is a right, not a reward. 'And the denial of statehood would be a gift to extremists everywhere.' UN agencies warn that key food and nutrition indicators in Gaza have exceeded famine thresholds, reaching their worst levels so far.
