U.N. Conference Endorses Two-State Solution Amid Gaza Crisis

On July 29, 2025, a critical United Nations conference convened in New York, emphasizing international support for the establishment of a Palestinian state and advocating for a two-state solution as a pathway to peace. This conference, marked by the adoption of the 'New York Declaration,' seeks to address the nearly eight-decade-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has recently escalated due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The two-day meeting has garnered attention amid alarming reports of starvation and famine affecting the Palestinian population in Gaza, attributed to restrictive Israeli policies, which the Israeli government vehemently denies. High-level representatives from various nations conveyed their unwavering support for the two-state solution, which envisions an independent, demilitarized Palestine existing alongside Israel.

According to a statement by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan during the conference, 'It is imperative for the 193 U.N. member states to support this document,' referring to the New York Declaration. The document outlines a phased approach to peace, prioritizing the establishment of a Palestinian Authority to govern all Palestinian territories and a transitional administration to take charge after a ceasefire is achieved.

The New York Declaration also emphasizes the need for international oversight, proposing the deployment of a 'temporary international stabilization mission' under U.N. auspices to ensure the protection of Palestinian civilians and to facilitate the transfer of security responsibilities to the Palestinian Authority. This mission aims to monitor the ceasefire and future peace agreements, providing necessary security guarantees for both Palestine and Israel.

Notably, the declaration condemns both the attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians and the Israeli military actions in Gaza, which have resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that over 60,000 Palestinians have died since the onset of the latest conflict, exacerbating calls for immediate humanitarian intervention.

As part of the declaration, there is a call for recognition of the state of Palestine, which is described as essential for the realization of the two-state solution. French President Emmanuel Macron announced prior to the conference that France intends to recognize the state of Palestine during the upcoming U.N. General Assembly meeting in September. Similarly, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed Britain's intention to recognize Palestine, contingent upon Israel agreeing to a ceasefire in the next eight weeks.

Despite the broad international support for the two-state solution, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly opposed it, citing nationalistic and security concerns. The United States, a key ally of Israel, also boycotted the conference, labeling it 'unproductive and ill-timed.'

As the international community rallies around the two-state solution, the implications of this declaration could reshape the future of Israeli-Palestinian relations. The push for peace comes at a critical juncture, with the 80th session of the U.N. General Assembly approaching, and the world watching closely as developments unfold in this long-standing conflict. The commitment of major powers like France and the U.K. to recognize Palestine may signal a shift in diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving one of the most entrenched issues in modern geopolitics.