Latest news with #Jean-NoëlBarrot
Egypt Independent
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
Arab states call on Hamas to disarm and relinquish power in unprecedented move
Arab and Muslim states including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Egypt have for the first time issued a joint call for Hamas to disarm and relinquish power in the Gaza Strip as part of efforts to end the war in the territory. The 22-member Arab League, the entire European Union and another 17 countries backed a declaration signed at a United Nations conference co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France on Tuesday. The meeting in New York aimed to address 'the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the implementation of the Two-State Solution,' and the declaration lays out what steps the signatories think should be taken next. 'Governance, law enforcement and security across all Palestinian territory must lie solely with the Palestinian Authority, with appropriate international support,' the joint document read, adding that '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, with international engagement and support, in line with the objective of a sovereign and independent Palestinian State.' The text also condemned the deadly October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel, and proposed the deployment of 'a temporary international stabilization mission' upon invitation by the PA and 'under the aegis of the United Nations.' 'We welcomed the readiness expressed by some Member States to contribute in troops,' it said. France, who co-chaired the conference, called the declaration 'unprecedented.' Speaking at the UN Tuesday, Jean-Noël Barrot, the French foreign minister, said that 'on the part of Saudi Arabia and the Arab and Muslim countries who for the first time will condemn terrorism, the acts of terror on the 7th of October, a call for the disarmament of Hamas and expressed their hope to have a normalized relationship with Israel in due time.' The Hostages and Missing Families Forum commended the declaration, saying: 'We welcome this important progress and the Arab League's recognition that Hamas must end its rule in Gaza. Kidnapping innocent men, women, and children is a blatant violation of international law and must be unequivocally condemned.' Both mediators in ceasefire negotiations, Qatar and Egypt have maintained ties with Hamas and Israel throughout the war. In March, a plan for Gaza formulated by Egypt excluded Hamas from governance of the enclave once the war ends, a draft of the plan obtained by CNN showed. The plan was discussed by Arab leaders meeting in Cairo in an emergency summit, with Egypt's president proposing a Palestinian committee to temporarily govern Gaza – taking over from Hamas and eventually handing power to the Palestinian Authority (PA). Saudi Arabia has repeatedly pushed for a revival of the two-state solution. France has said it will vote to recognize a Palestinian state in September, to Israel's dismay. The United Kingdom also said it will recognize a Palestinian state in September unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza. Both Israel and the United States condemned France and Britain's statements. Hamas has, however, shown no signs of relinquishing power in the enclave, yet officials within the militant group have in the past given contradictory statements about the movement's role in a post-war Gaza. Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, vehemently opposes the two-state solution, arguing that it is incompatible with his country's security. This story has been updated with additional developments.
See - Sada Elbalad
16 hours ago
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
15 Western Nations Urge Global Recognition of Palestinian State
Israa Farhan France and 14 other Western nations have called on countries worldwide to declare their intent to recognize the State of Palestine, as part of renewed efforts to revive the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The announcement came on Wednesday through French Deputy Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who stated that the collective call was made following the conclusion of a ministerial conference held at the United Nations in New York. The event focused on supporting a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Middle East conflict. Barrot shared on X that France, along with 14 other nations, including Canada and Australia, has expressed a unified intention to recognize Palestine and encouraged other states to join them in this step. This move follows the release of the "New York Declaration," which aims to reinforce global support for a two-state solution amid the escalating war in Gaza and continued settlement expansion in the West Bank. In addition to France, major G20 members Canada and Australia have signed the declaration. Other participating countries include Andorra, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, and Spain. Out of the fifteen signatories, nine nations, Andorra, Australia, Canada, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Portugal, and San Marino, have yet to officially recognize the State of Palestine but have now publicly expressed either readiness or strong interest in doing so. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Arts & Culture Lebanese Media: Fayrouz Collapses after Death of Ziad Rahbani Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results
Scoop
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Scoop
With Gaza Smouldering, Ministers Renew Push For Two-State Solution At UN
30 July 2025 The High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution took place in New York from 28 to 30 July. The United States and Israel did not participate. France and Saudi Arabia, co-chairs of the Conference, called on all UN Member States to support a declaration urging collective action to end the war in Gaza and to achieve a just, peaceful and lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution outlines political, humanitarian, and security steps to be taken on a timebound and irreversible basis. The co-chairs urged countries to endorse the declaration by the end of the 79th session of the General Assembly, in early September, should they so wish. Act before it is too late In his stark opening remarks on Monday, Secretary-General Guterres stressed that the two-State solution is the only viable path to ending the longstanding conflict and achieving lasting peace in the region, warning that there is no alternative. 'A one-State reality where Palestinians are denied equal rights and forced to live under perpetual occupation and inequality? A one-State reality where Palestinians are expelled from their land? That is not peace. That is not justice. And that is not acceptable,' he said. He condemned both Hamas' 7 October 2023 attacks and the scale of Israel's military response, reiterating his call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages, and unfettered humanitarian access. 'This conflict cannot be managed. It must be resolved,' Mr. Guterres concluded. 'We must act before it is too late.' Calls for peace Over the three days, more than 125 speakers took the floor during the general debate, including high-level representatives from across the globe and major regional and international organizations such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Delegates underscored the urgency of concrete steps to realise a two-State solution, highlighting the need to empower and reform the Palestinian Authority, reconstruct Gaza and ensure accountability for violations of international law. France, which co-chaired the Conference, recalled its support for Israel as it joined the community of nations and affirmed that Palestinians deserve the same right to a homeland. 'At a time where the two-State solution is more threatened than ever, France is ready to fully recognise the State of Palestine,' said Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs. That recognition, he added, would come in September when leaders reconvene for the General Assembly's 80th session. Co-chair Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, Faisal bin Farhan al Saud, emphasised the suffering of thousands of civilians in Gaza under bombardment, while Israeli settlements expand in Jerusalem and the West Bank to alter the region's demographic nature. 'Peace and security do not take place through deprivation of rights or force,' he said, underscoring the need for a genuine and irreversible peace process. The United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, outlined recent UK actions – including the suspension of arms exports and sanctions on extremist settlers, and restoring of funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. 'It is with the hand of history on our shoulders that His Majesty's Government therefore intends to recognise the State of Palestine when the UN General Assembly gathers in September here in New York,' he declared. 'We will do this unless the Israeli Government acts to end the appalling situation in Gaza, ends its military campaign and commits to a long-term sustainable peace based on a two-State solution.'
India.com
a day ago
- Politics
- India.com
Unprecedented: Arab World To Hamas – Drop Your Arms And Step Aside In Gaza; Full Story
New York: Arab and Muslim countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Egypt have joined hands to call for Hamas to lay down its weapons and step away from governing Gaza. Once unimaginable from states that historically maintained varying degrees of neutrality or silent support, the demand came in a signed declaration unveiled during a summit at the United Nations in New York on Tuesday. Hosted by Saudi Arabia and France, the conference drew international backing. All 22 members of the Arab League signed on, so did the entire European Union. Another 17 nations added their names. The message was unified. A Firm Shift in Regional Tone 'Governance, law enforcement and security across all Palestinian territory must lie solely with the Palestinian Authority, with appropriate international support,' the declaration stated. The signatories emphasised that Gaza's future depends on Hamas stepping aside. The document went on to read, '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, with international engagement and support, in line with the objective of a sovereign and independent Palestinian State.' It marked a change in tone for several regional powers. Qatar and Egypt, key ceasefire brokers and long-time interlocutors between Hamas and Israel, stood behind the language. The move also aligns with an earlier initiative. Back in March, Egypt floated a post-war roadmap for Gaza that left no room for Hamas governance. That plan proposed an interim Palestinian committee to manage the enclave, eventually handing it over to the Palestinian Authority. Condemnation of October 7 Attacks The document did not just focus on the political transition. It also condemned Hamas' deadly assault on Israel on October 7, 2023. The coordinated attack drew outrage from the international community and triggered the ongoing war. In response to the violence, the declaration proposed the deployment of 'a temporary international stabilisation mission'. This mission, the document said, would operate under the United Nations and enter Gaza at the Palestinian Authority's request. 'We welcomed the readiness expressed by some Member States to contribute in troops,' it said. France Calls It Unprecedented French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot described the collective stance as 'unprecedented'. Addressing the United Nations on Tuesday, he stated, 'On the part of Saudi Arabia and the Arab and Muslim countries who for the first time will condemn terrorism, the acts of terror on the 7th of October, a call for the disarmament of Hamas and expressed their hope to have a normalised relationship with Israel in due time.' The moment was significant. France and Saudi Arabia led the effort. Countries not always aligned politically or diplomatically signed the same page. Israel, UK and US React to Shifting Landscape In a move that unsettled Israeli leaders, France also confirmed it will vote to recognise a Palestinian state this September. The United Kingdom echoed a similar position, followed by Canada. Unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza, London said it too would recognise Palestinian statehood in the fall. Israel rejected both announcements and so did the United States. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's stance remained unchanged. His government rejected the two-state solution outright. The Israeli leader continued to argue that such a path threatens Israel's security. Hostage Families Welcome Arab League's Stand The joint declaration from Arab states brought a sense of overdue clarity for many. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a group representing Israeli families with loved ones held in Gaza, issued a statement in support. 'We welcome this important progress and the Arab League's recognition that Hamas must end its rule in Gaza. Kidnapping innocent men, women and children is a blatant violation of international law and must be unequivocally condemned,' it read. Hamas Silent, But Signals Mixed in Past Hamas has yet to publicly respond to the declaration. The militant group has previously issued conflicting messages about its future in Gaza after the war. There has been no sign from its leadership that it is willing to disband or surrender control. Still, the latest developments point to a shift, not just from Western allies but from Arab capitals too. For the first time, they have stepped forward to say what was once left unsaid that Hamas must go.
The Journal
a day ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Ireland joins French-led 'collective appeal' to nations to recognise Palestine
LAST UPDATE | 3 hrs ago IRELAND IS AMONG 15 nations that have called for the world to recognise a Palestinian state and reiterated commitment for a two-state solution. The joint statement of Foreign Ministers was agreed at the High-level International Conference which took place in New York this week. The joint statement expresses the ministers' call for a ceasefire, concern over the high number of civilian casualties and humanitarian situation in Gaza, and calls on countries across the world to recognise the state of Palestine. France's minister for foreign affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot, posted the letter to his X account alongside the message: 'In New York, along with 14 other countries, France is launching a collective appeal: we express our desire to recognise the State of Palestine and invite those who have not yet done do to join us.' A New York avec 14 autres pays, la France lance un appel collectif : nous exprimons notre volonté de reconnaître l'Etat de Palestine et invitons ceux qui ne l'ont pas encore fait à nous rejoindre. — Jean-Noël Barrot (@jnbarrot) July 30, 2025 The statement is backed by Ireland, Andorra, Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Iceland, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, and Spain. All 15 countries have 'already recognised, have expressed or express the willingness or the positive consideration of our countries to recognise the State of Palestine, as an essential step towards the two-State solution'. A New York avec 14 autres pays, la France lance un appel collectif : nous exprimons notre volonté de reconnaître l'Etat de Palestine et invitons ceux qui ne l'ont pas encore fait à nous rejoindre. — Jean-Noël Barrot (@jnbarrot) July 30, 2025 Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris said the effort 'demonstrated there is another way forward'. He added: 'The international community demands an immediate ceasefire and hostage release deal and urgent humanitarian aid for Gaza, and is ready to take concrete steps to implement the two-State solution. Advertisement 'Ireland is doubling down on our commitment to achieve a just, lasting peace where Israelis and Palestinians live side by side in peace and security. 'We will continue to do all in our power to work for that peace.' Ireland was represented at the Conference by Emer Higgins TD, who described it as a 'decisive moment'. 'Together we demonstrate support for the two State solution as the only viable path to securing lasting peace for Israelis, Palestinians and the wider region,' said Higgins. 'We continue to witness appalling suffering of the civilian population in Gaza, where hunger and death take an increasingly heavy toll. 'Hamas must release the hostages and Israel must allow life-saving aid into Gaza at scale immediately and stop the blockades, bombardment and brutality. 'We need to chart a political pathway to peace and commit to taking concrete steps to achieve this.' Yesterday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that the UK would officially recognise the state of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September , unless the Israeli government reaches a ceasefire in Gaza. Israel said it 'rejects' the UK move, arguing it 'constitutes a reward for Hamas and harms efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza'. In a statement, Netanyahu said: 'Starmer rewards Hamas's monstrous terrorism & punishes its victims. A jihadist state on Israel's border TODAY will threaten Britain TOMORROW. 'Appeasement towards jihadist terrorists always fails. It will fail you too. It will not happen.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
