UN conference ends with strong support for 2-state solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict

NEW YORK/HAMILTON, Canada

A UN high-level conference on the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine ended Wednesday at the organization’s headquarters in New York.

The conference, which hosted senior officials from nearly 130 countries, was held from July 28-30 and concluded with a strong emphasis on support for the two-state solution, adopting the "New York Call" and "New York Declaration."

Both Israel and the US were absent from the conference, which was co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.

Speaking at its pre-opening session, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the two-state solution is at a "breaking point."

Guterres also stressed that "Statehood for the Palestinians is a right, not a reward. And the denial of statehood would be a gift to extremists everywhere."

He condemned the deepening crisis in Gaza, saying the enclave "has descended into a cascade of catastrophes."

Türkiye was represented at the conference by Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yilmaz.

In his remarks, Yilmaz said that "the genocide committed by Israel in Gaza is a dark stain on the international order."

He urged broader recognition of the State of Palestine and called for strong measures against Israel, including a UN arms ban and suspension of trade.

Fifteen countries, including Australia, Canada, France and Spain, emphasized their strong commitment to the two-state solution through the “New York Call.”

Expressing "grave concern over the high number of civilian casualties and humanitarian situation in Gaza," the joint statement urged "all countries that have not done so" to express "the willingness or the positive consideration of our countries to recognize the State of Palestine as an essential step towards the two-state solution."

"We agreed to take collective action to end the war in Gaza, to achieve a just, peaceful, and lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the effective implementation of the two-state solution, and to build a better future for Palestinians, Israelis, and all peoples of the region," it said.

According to the declaration, recent developments have "highlighted, once again, and more than ever, the terrifying human toll and the grave implications for regional and international peace and security" caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Türkiye, France, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Norway, Qatar, Senegal, Spain, the UK, the European Union and the Arab League endorsed the declaration.

Amid the high-level conference, both the UK and Canada announced their intention to recognize the State of Palestine at the 80th UN General Assembly in September.