Oslo: The third international meeting aimed at supporting the two-state solution commenced today in Oslo, Norway, with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in attendance. This conference saw a broad international presence, including notable figures such as Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr St¸re, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, and representatives from over 80 countries and international organizations.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the meeting's objective is to deliberate on enhancing humanitarian support for Palestinians, particularly amid the dire conditions in Gaza, and to explore potential measures to revive negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis. Additionally, the participants are discussing ways to increase support for UNRWA, a crucial provider of essential services to Palestinian refugees. This event marks the third session of the global coalition formed last September during the UN General Assembly meetings in New York.
Prime Minister Mustafa highlighted the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza and called for unrestricted access to humanitarian aid. He emphasized that the governance of Gaza should be exclusively under the Palestinian Authority. Mustafa urged the international community to recognize the State of Palestine, stating that such recognition is vital for achieving a just and lasting peace, underscoring the importance of the two-state solution along internationally recognized borders and the necessity of respecting security and justice.
Mustafa also criticized Israeli policies that undermine the two-state solution, including settlement expansion and restrictions on international organizations, particularly UNRWA. He condemned recent Israeli legislation targeting UNRWA, stating that these actions jeopardize Palestinian rights, dismantle the two-state framework, and crush hopes for peace.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini warned of severe consequences resulting from recent Israeli legislation aimed at curtailing UNRWA's operations in Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. Lazzarini stated that these policies violate international law and United Nations resolutions. He highlighted the risks to UNRWA's staff and operations, particularly in Gaza, where restrictions could intensify humanitarian crises. Lazzarini stressed UNRWA's critical role in providing education, healthcare, and other essential services, warning that its collapse would exacerbate suffering and destabilize the region. He added that education holds immense value for Palestinians, and failing to sustain these services would jeopardize future generations and hinder progress toward a viable Palestinian state.
