New york: The United Nations high-level conference aimed at achieving a peaceful settlement of the Palestinian question and implementing the Two-State Solution began today at the UN headquarters in New York. This significant event is chaired jointly by Saudi Arabia and France, signifying the global commitment to address the longstanding conflict.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the conference was addressed by Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, who emphasized that the event represents a promise to the Palestinian people to end the historic injustice they have faced. Highlighting the current situation in Gaza as a stark example of this injustice, he called for urgent collective action. Mustafa noted that the conference signals international support for Palestinian rights, including life, freedom, dignity, land, and sovereignty, while also offering a path to peace for Israelis.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan underscored the conference as a pivotal step towards advancing the two-state solution and ending the occupation. He praised French President Emmanuel Macron's intention to recognize the State of Palestine, describing it as a historic move that enhances international support for Palestinian statehood. Bin Farhan affirmed that justice for Palestinians is key to regional security, stability, and prosperity, advocating for an independent state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian highlighted the importance of consolidating the outcomes of the conference's roundtable meetings to unite visions and focus on future steps. He condemned the targeting of vulnerable populations in Gaza and stressed that ending the conflict is imperative for achieving the two-state solution.
UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres emphasized the conference as a crucial opportunity for progress. He warned that the two-state solution is at a breaking point but maintained that it remains the only viable framework supported by international law and the global community. Guterres called for political will and leadership to resolve the conflict, condemning the ongoing destruction in Gaza and illegal annexation activities in the West Bank.
The conference, set to run until July 30, assembles a broad spectrum of UN member states, international organizations, and civil society groups. It aims to advance a credible political process, secure international commitments for Palestinian political and economic support, and facilitate Gaza's recovery and reconstruction. This initiative aligns with UN resolutions and seeks to address the urgent need to end the Israeli occupation, as affirmed by the International Court of Justice.
