New York: The high-level international conference on the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue and the implementation of the two-state solution, held in New York City under the joint chairmanship of Saudi Arabia and France, affirmed the agreement to take concrete, time-bound steps to peacefully resolve the Palestinian issue and implement the two-state solution.
According to Union of OIC News Agencies, the New York Declaration, issued at the conclusion of the international conference, emphasized the need for collective action to end the war in Gaza, ensure Israel’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and hand it over to the Palestinian Authority “in accordance with the principle of one government, one law, one weapon.” The conference underscored that war, occupation, and forced displacement will not achieve peace or security, and only a political solution can fulfill legitimate aspirations in accordance with international law.
The declaration committed to mobilizing political and financial support for the Palestinian Authority to help it strengthen its institutional capacities, implement its reform program, and assume responsibilities throughout the occupied Palestinian territories. It also called for removing movement and access restrictions, releasing withheld Palestinian tax revenues, and establishing a new framework for revenue transfer that would lead to full Palestinian control over the tax system.
Further, the declaration called for preserving the legal and historical status quo at Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, and adopting restrictive measures against violent extremist settlers and supporters of illegal settlements, in accordance with international law. It affirmed that coexistence and normal relations in the region can only be achieved by ending the occupation and establishing a sovereign Palestinian state.
The New York Declaration was endorsed by leaders and representatives from various countries and organizations, including the European Union and the League of Arab States, who gathered at the United Nations in New York. They agreed to take collective action to end the war in Gaza and achieve a just, peaceful, and lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on the effective implementation of the two-state solution. The declaration emphasized the need for decisive steps and strong international guarantees to prevent the conflict from deepening and to ensure regional peace.
The leaders reiterated condemnation of attacks against civilians by any party and recalled that hostage-taking is prohibited under international law. They condemned attacks by Hamas against civilians on October 7 and Israeli attacks on civilians and infrastructure in Gaza. The declaration emphasized that war, occupation, and terrorism will not bring peace or security, and only a political solution can achieve that. The commitment was made to take irreversible steps towards a peaceful settlement, aiming for the establishment of an independent and democratic State of Palestine living in peace with Israel.
The declaration also outlined support for the urgent implementation of reconstruction plans in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of immediate humanitarian assistance and the lifting of restrictions. It called for a transitional administrative committee in Gaza under the Palestinian Authority and supported the deployment of a temporary international stabilization mission to provide protection and support the transfer of security responsibilities.
Lastly, the declaration called for resuming negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis, with international support, to achieve mutual peace and stability. It emphasized the need for the Palestinian Authority to continue its reform program and for Israel to commit to a two-state solution, end violence, and cease settlement activities. The declaration concluded with a commitment to preparing for a future Peace Day, aiming for regional integration and security guarantees for all parties involved.