Latest news with #PalestinianStatehood
Leaders
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Leaders
Palestinian Statehood Gathers Int'l Momentum at Two-State Solution Conference
Saudi Arabia and France have kicked off the UN Conference for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in New York, under the joint chairmanship of the Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and his French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, to support Palestinian Statehood. Dozens of ministers and high-level officials attended the meeting with the goal of recognizing a Palestinian State and working toward a two-state solution to end the war in Gaza and resolve the longstanding Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Charting the Path The High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution aims to chart a clear and irreversible pathway toward a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in accordance with UN resolutions. The UN meeting comes at a time of 'a growing international consensus' for a non-military solution to the decades-long conflict, according to the Saudi and French foreign ministers. Hence, it has gathered international momentum around the recognition of Palestine as the key to the peaceful settlement of the conflict. 'This is not merely a political stance, but a firm conviction that an independent Palestinian state is the true key to peace in the region,' Prince Faisal bin Farhan said. Historic Stage In his opening speech, the Saudi Foreign Minister described the conference as a 'historic stage' that reflects growing international consensus on the Palestinian people's right to establish their independent state and helps create the global conditions necessary to implement the two-state solution. 'Achieving security, stability, and prosperity for all the peoples of the region begins with justice for the Palestinian people and enabling them to attain their legitimate rights, foremost among them the establishment of their independent state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital,' Prince Faisal said. He added that the Arab Peace Initiative, presented by Saudi Arabia and adopted by the Arab League in Beirut in 2002, represents a comprehensive foundation for any just and inclusive solution. Additionally, he supported the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution as a practical framework for following up on the outcomes of this conference and for coordinating international efforts to implement concrete steps to end the occupation and realize the Palestinian state. Ending Palestinian Crisis The Saudi Foreign Minister urged for an immediate end to the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, saying that the Kingdom and France were seeking approval from the World Bank to transfer $300 million to Gaza and the West Bank to counter the humanitarian catastrophe in Palestine. Moreover, he emphasized Saudi Arabia's support for UN agencies, particularly UNRWA, UNICEF, and the World Food Program, through providing humanitarian and relief aid, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). Prince Faisal also called for ending this humanitarian catastrophe, holding those responsible accountable, and ending the policy of impunity in accordance with international humanitarian law. Furthermore, he commended the reform efforts of the Palestinian Authority, voicing the Kingdom's support for these efforts in the areas of development, stimulating the Palestinian economy, and protecting it from collapse. Within this context, the Palestinian Prime Minister, Mohammad Mustafa, expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia and France for leading this historic conference. 'The two-state solution conference confirms to the Palestinian people that the world stands with them,' he said. Endorsing Two-State Solution Prince Faisal bin Farhan called the participating nations to endorse the conference's final communiqué, which represents a joint roadmap for implementing the two-state solution. The two-state solution advocates for the establishment of an independent Palestinian State along the 1967 borders (which involves the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip), with East Jerusalem as its capital, allowing Palestinians and Israelis to live side by side in independent nations. This solution has wide international support as it would grant the Palestinians their right of self-determination while ensuring Israel's security. In the light of this, the French Foreign Minister said: 'Only a political, two-state solution will help respond to the legitimate aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security. There is no alternative.' Similarly, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, reiterated that the only just and sustainable path forward is 'the establishment of two independent, democratic States – Israel and Palestine – living side by side in peace and security, with Jerusalem as the capital, based on pre-1967 lines and in line with international law and UN resolutions.' Palestinian Statehood Days ahead of the conference, the French President, Emmanuel Macron, said that Paris would recognize the State of Palestine in September at the UN General Assembly – a historic announcement that came as a result of Saudi Arabia's intensive diplomatic efforts. In this regard, Barrot said that the conference would serve as a platform for other European countries to recognize Palestinian statehood. 'We have begun an unprecedented and unstoppable momentum for a political solution in the Middle East, which is already beginning to bear fruit,' he said. The French minister referred to tangible steps such as 'recognition of Palestine, normalization and regional integration of Israel, reform of Palestinian governance, and the disarmament of Hamas,' according to Arab News. Currently, about 147 out of the 193 UN member states recognize the State of Palestine, with recent recognitions coming from France, Spain, Norway, Ireland, Slovenia, Armenia and the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda. The UK is considering the formal recognition of Palestinian Statehood. The British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has come under mounting pressure within his Labour Party to help achieve a diplomatic solution, according to The Guardian. 'We are expectant that the outcome of the conference will be the UK Government outlining when and how it will act on its long-standing commitment on a two-state solution; as well as how it will work with international partners to make this a reality,' the MPs wrote in a letter to Starmer. As a result, Starmer will convene his cabinet for an emergency meeting on Gaza this week, with government sources confriming that formal recognition of Palestinian statehood was a matter of 'when, not if' under the Labour government. Expected Outcomes According to a draft seen by Arab News, the conference's outcome document strongly condemns Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, calling for an immediate ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages still held by Hamas. It also emphasizes the urgent need for unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza to alleviate humanitarian suffering. Furthermore, the draft reaffirms the international community's unwavering commitment to the vision for two democratic states — Israel and Palestine — living side by side in peace within secure and internationally recognized borders. It also outlines a commitment to develop a comprehensive framework for postwar Gaza, emphasizing guarantees for reconstruction, the disarmament of Hamas, and the exclusion of the group from Palestinian governance. Short link : Post Views: 20
ABC News
20 hours ago
- Politics
- ABC News
Anthony Albanese says Israel's denial of starvation in Gaza 'beyond comprehension'
Anthony Albanese has expressed his astonishment at claims made by Israel's prime minister that "there is no starvation in Gaza", telling Labor MPs that statement is "beyond comprehension". The prime minister made the comments in response to a question from a Labor backbencher about when Australia would move to recognise Palestinian statehood. Mr Albanese — who has been sharpening his criticism of Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip — appeared to directly criticise Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who posted a clip to X saying "there is no starvation in Gaza, no policy of starvation in Gaza". That assertion was repeated in Canberra yesterday by Israeli's deputy ambassador to Australia, Amir Meron. "Those claims that there's no starvation in Gaza are beyond comprehension," Mr Albanese told the Labor caucus, according to a spokesperson. The prime minister outlined Australia's pre-conditions for recognition, including "democratic reforms" in the Palestinian territory, but indicated these obstacles were not insurmountable, referencing a famous quote from Nelson Mandela that "it always seems impossible until it's done". His intervention comes comes amid growing international concern about both the number of deaths at aid centres managed by the Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation and the level of hunger in the enclave. Overnight, US President Donald Trump also appeared to dispute Mr Netanyahu's statement, saying Palestinians living in the strip "have to get food and safety right now".
The Guardian
a day ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
Saudi Arabia and France to lead UN push for recognising Palestinian statehood
Saudi Arabia and France have opened a three-day conference at the United Nations with the goal of recognising Palestinian statehood as part of a peaceful settlement to end the war in Gaza. The conference began on Monday, just days after the French president, Emmanuel Macron, said Paris would officially recognise the Palestinian government in September in an effort to reinvigorate peace talks around a two-state solution that have all but been written off since the deadly Hamas raid and ensuing Israeli military operation that began in 2023. The French foreign minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, has said that the conference would also serve as a platform for other European countries to recognise Palestinian statehood. While Barrot did not specify which countries he meant, speculation has focused on the United Kingdom, where Keir Starmer is under increasing pressure from Labour MPs to put pressure on Israel to end the war. 'Only a political, two-state solution will help respond to the legitimate aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security,' Barrot said at the opening of the talks on Monday. 'There is no alternative.' Saudi Arabia's foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, said that the kingdom was seeking World Bank approval to transfer $300m to Gaza and the West Bank to counter the dire humanitarian crisis in the territory. He said that Palestinians had a 'legitimate right' to the establishment of an independent state along the borders delineated in 1967 'with East Jerusalem as its capital'. 'This is not merely a political stance, but a firm conviction that an independent Palestinian state is the true key to peace in the region,' he said. The talks are being co-chaired by 16 other countries and delegations, including the United Kingdom, Ireland and the European Union. The UK does not currently recognise Palestine, but Starmer has come under increasing pressure within Labour to help achieve a diplomatic solution. More than 220 MPs, a third of parliament, signed a letter addressed to Starmer on Friday calling for the UK to recognise a Palestinian state. 'We are expectant that the outcome of the conference will be the UK Government outlining when and how it will act on its long-standing commitment on a two-state solution; as well as how it will work with international partners to make this a reality,' the MPs wrote in the letter. Starmer will recall his cabinet from their summer break for an emergency meeting on the Gaza crisis this week and government sources have said that formal recognition of Palestinian statehood was a matter of 'when, not if' under the Labour government. He was also expected to push Donald Trump on the issue of humanitarian aid and a growing crisis of malnourishment and starvation in Gaza. On Monday, two leading human rights organisations based in Israel, B'Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights, were reported to say that Israel was committing a genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and the country's western allies have a legal and moral duty to stop it. 'We need to galvanize other countries in support of getting that aid in, and yes, that does involve putting pressure on Israel, because it absolutely is a humanitarian catastrophe,' said Starmer in remarks alongside the US president on Monday as the two leaders met at Trump's Turnberry golf resort in Scotland to discuss trade and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The talks begin just days after Macron said that France would recognise Palestinian statehood in September, saying that the decision would 'ensure its viability, and ensure that by accepting its demilitarisation and fully recognising Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the Middle East'. Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister, condemned Macron's decision, saying that it 'rewards terror' and that a Palestinian state would be a 'launchpad to annihilate Israel'. Israel also criticised the Saudi-French-led conference on Monday. 'This conference does not promote a solution, but rather deepens the illusion. Instead of demanding the release of the hostages and working to dismantle Hamas's reign of terror, the conference organizers are engaging in discussions and plenaries that are disconnected from reality,' said Danny Damon, the Israeli ambassador to the UN. The US has echoed the Israeli sentiment and on Monday called the conference 'unproductive and ill-timed.' 'The United States will not participate in this insult but will continue to lead real-world efforts to end the fighting and deliver a permanent peace,' state department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement. 'Our focus remains on serious diplomacy: not stage-managed conferences designed to manufacture the appearance of relevance.'
The Guardian
a day ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
Saudi Arabia and France to lead UN push for recognising Palestinian statehood
Saudi Arabia and France have opened a three-day conference at the United Nations with the goal of recognising Palestinian statehood as part of a peaceful settlement to end the war in Gaza. The conference began on Monday, just days after the French president, Emmanuel Macron, said Paris would officially recognise the Palestinian government in September in an effort to reinvigorate peace talks around a two-state solution that have all but been written off since the deadly Hamas raid and ensuing Israeli military operation that began in 2023. The French foreign minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, has said that the conference would also serve as a platform for other European countries to recognise Palestinian statehood. While Barrot did not specify which countries he meant, speculation has focused on the United Kingdom, where Keir Starmer is under increasing pressure from Labour MPs to put pressure on Israel to end the war. 'Only a political, two-state solution will help respond to the legitimate aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security,' Barrot said at the opening of the talks on Monday. 'There is no alternative.' Saudi Arabia's foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, said that the kingdom was seeking World Bank approval to transfer $300m to Gaza and the West Bank to counter the dire humanitarian crisis in the territory. He said that Palestinians had a 'legitimate right' to the establishment of an independent state along the borders delineated in 1967 'with East Jerusalem as its capital'. 'This is not merely a political stance, but a firm conviction that an independent Palestinian state is the true key to peace in the region,' he said. The talks are being co-chaired by 16 other countries and delegations, including the United Kingdom, Ireland and the European Union. The UK does not currently recognise Palestine, but Starmer has come under increasing pressure within Labour to help achieve a diplomatic solution. More than 220 MPs, a third of parliament, signed a letter addressed to Starmer on Friday calling for the UK to recognise a Palestinian state. 'We are expectant that the outcome of the conference will be the UK Government outlining when and how it will act on its long-standing commitment on a two-state solution; as well as how it will work with international partners to make this a reality,' the MPs wrote in the letter. Starmer will recall his cabinet from their summer break for an emergency meeting on the Gaza crisis this week and government sources have said that formal recognition of Palestinian statehood was a matter of 'when, not if' under the Labour government. He was also expected to push Donald Trump on the issue of humanitarian aid and a growing crisis of malnourishment and starvation in Gaza. On Monday, two leading human rights organisations based in Israel, B'Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights, were reported to say that Israel was committing a genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and the country's western allies have a legal and moral duty to stop it. 'We need to galvanize other countries in support of getting that aid in, and yes, that does involve putting pressure on Israel, because it absolutely is a humanitarian catastrophe,' said Starmer in remarks alongside the US president on Monday as the two leaders met at Trump's Turnberry golf resort in Scotland to discuss trade and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The talks begin just days after Macron said that France would recognise Palestinian statehood in September, saying that the decision would 'ensure its viability, and ensure that by accepting its demilitarisation and fully recognising Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the Middle East'. Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister, condemned Macron's decision, saying that it 'rewards terror' and that a Palestinian state would be a 'launchpad to annihilate Israel'. Israel also criticised the Saudi-French-led conference on Monday. 'This conference does not promote a solution, but rather deepens the illusion. Instead of demanding the release of the hostages and working to dismantle Hamas's reign of terror, the conference organizers are engaging in discussions and plenaries that are disconnected from reality,' said Danny Damon, the Israeli ambassador to the UN.
Fox News
a day ago
- Politics
- Fox News
Trump rejects Macron move as US skips UN summit on Palestinian state
The Trump administration is set to boycott a high-level summit on Palestinian statehood, co-sponsored by France and Saudi Arabia, scheduled to take place at United Nations headquarters in New York City on Monday. The event was originally planned for June with French President Emmanuel Macron in attendance but was postponed due to the 12-day war between Israel and Iran. Representatives from more than 50 nations are expected to speak at the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine, with dozens of additional countries listed as participants. Reuters reported last month that a U.S. diplomatic cable had urged governments to skip the "counterproductive" U.N. event, which Washington described as an obstacle to efforts to end the war in Gaza. "The fact that the French and the Saudis could not be dissuaded from manufacturing this latest stumbling block to peace is a finger in the eye to President Trump," Anne Bayefsky, president of Human Rights Voices and director of the Touro Institute on Human Rights and the Holocaust, told Fox News Digital. "American taxpayers are paying a quarter of the costs of this U.N. monstrosity, warmongers dressed up as peaceniks. Why are we still footing U.N. bills?" Bayefsky added, "This latest U.N. confab embodies the rejectionist culture: shove a Palestinian state down Israel's throat, without negotiations, and without Palestinian acceptance of the Jewish state. It arrogantly appropriates the right to decide land ownership and who, what, where is legal and illegal. "After October 7, and the reality that the Palestinian Authority serves as Hamas's wingman on the international stage, it is painfully clear that an armed Palestinian state means more war, not peace," she said. In an interview with La Tribune Dimanche on Sunday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said that "the prospect of a Palestinian state has never been so threatened—nor so necessary." "[It is] threatened by the destruction of the Gaza Strip, rampant Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank that undermines the very idea of territorial continuity, and the resignation of the international community," he said. "[It is] necessary, because expecting to achieve a lasting ceasefire, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and its surrender without first outlining a political horizon is an illusion," he added. Monday's event comes on the backdrop of Macron's decision to recognize a Palestinian state. The formal declaration would be made at the U.N. General Assembly in September. President Donald Trump immediately dismissed the move, arguing that Macron's statement "doesn't matter." U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee mocked Paris' decision in a series of social media posts. "How clever! If Macron can just 'declare' the existence of a state perhaps the U.K. can 'declare' France a British colony!" Huckabee wrote. In May, Huckabee told Fox News Digital, "If France is really so determined to see a Palestinian state, I have a suggestion for them—carve out a piece of the French Riviera." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement condemning Paris' move "to recognize a Palestinian state next to Tel Aviv in the wake of the Oct. 7 massacre." Key European nations have not yet backed Macron's initiative, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stating on Saturday that recognizing a Palestinian state was premature. "I am very much in favor of the State of Palestine, but I am not in favor of recognizing it prior to establishing it," Meloni said. "If something that doesn't exist is recognized on paper, the problem could appear to be solved when it isn't." A German government spokesperson said on Friday, "Israel's security is of paramount importance," and therefore Berlin "has no plans to recognize a Palestinian state in the short term." In a video statement on Friday, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he is "working on a pathway to peace in the region focused on the practical solutions that will make a real difference to the lives of those who are suffering in this war." By contrast, NATO member and U.S. ally Turkey welcomed the French move, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan congratulating Macron during a phone call between the two leaders. Avi Pazner, former Israeli ambassador to France and Italy, told Fox News Digital that there is "no rational explanation" for Macron's decision, as everyone understands that it is "not feasible." Pazner suggested that Macron may be attempting to gain credibility with France's significant Muslim and Arab minorities, which some estimate to be between 8%- 10% of the country. Aaron David Miller, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and a former negotiator at the State Department under both Democratic and Republican administrations, told Fox News Digital that Trump has his own set of objectives and sensibilities regarding the issue of Palestinian statehood. "It was the view of successive administrations that unilateral statehood would prejudge and undermine the conditions necessary for negotiations," he added. "If France is recognizing a Palestinian state, within what borders? What happens to Jerusalem? What about the Jordan Valley? Would land swaps compensate for territory deemed essential by Israel for security? Declaring statehood prematurely prejudges the outcome of negotiations, and that was the position taken by these administrations." The French and Saudi-sponsored conference is expected to run through Tuesday.
