The historic event, The High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, come amid growing regional and international recognition of the right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state on the June 1967 borders.
The conference, which was attended by dozens of world leaders, comes amid growing global outrage and condemnation of the Israeli genocidal war on the Gaza Strip and Tel Aviv’s increasing steps to annex the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
The French decision to recognize Palestinian statehood in July prompted more Western countries to follow suit in the weeks since. These countries included Luxembourg, Malta, Canada, Australia, and Portugal. Belgium announced its intention to recognize Palestinian statehood with conditions. New Zealand and Liechtenstein are expected to also formally recognize a Palestinian state on Monday.
To date, 151 UN member-states have recognized the right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state.
On 12 September, the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly voted to back a declaration outlining “tangible, time-bound and irreversible steps” toward a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. The text was adopted by 142 votes in favour, 10 against -- including Israel and key ally the United States -- and 12 abstentions. Formally called the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, the text calls for "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."
Israel and the United States denounced and boycotted the conference.
01:30 Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan closed the historic conference, saying that recognition of the Palestinian state “reflects a genuine will to achieve the aspirations of the Palestinian people for self-determination.”
01:25 French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said that “recognition of the Palestinian state must be translated into practical steps.”
He added, “We have a duty to stop the cycle of violence in the Middle East, and the time for peace is now.”
01:20 Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, denounced Israel's attack on the Hamas Gaza ceasefire negotiating team in the Qatari capital of Doha on 9 September.
“The Israeli military campaign has targeted many countries in the region, including my country.”
“We hold the Israeli government fully responsible for its rogue aggression against Qatar,” Al-Muraikhi noted.
The Qatari minister reiterated his country's unequivocal denunciation of the Israeli war on the Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied territories.
“Gaza is completely destroyed and the West Bank is facing brutal violence,” said the Qatari minister, whose country, along with Egypt, has played a leading role in mediating a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas since the start of Tel Aviv's genocidal war in October 2023.
01:15 Emirati Minister of State Khalifa Shaheen said the UAE “supports the mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza.”
He called on the UN Security Council to “assume its responsibilities in confronting Israel’s violations” and stressed that “work must continue to achieve an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza.”
01:10 Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel said his country supports the two-state solution.
“We must end the cycle of violence that Palestinians and Israelis have suffered for decades.”
“The international community must force Israel to change course,” added van Weel, whose country has refused to stop all arms sales to Israel or recognize Palestinian statehood.
“Hamas must release the hostages and surrender its weapons.”
01:10 "The war in Gaza has created a humanitarian catastrophe of indescribable proportions," said Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen.
"We call for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the entry of aid, and the release of hostages."
"We are ready to recognize a Palestinian state after Hamas releases hostages and reforms in the Palestinian Authority."
"Hamas must have no role in Gaza's future," added the Danish foreign minister.
01:00 German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told the conference that "people in Gaza are living hell on earth."
"Israeli settlements are an obstacle to peace ... A better future in the Middle East is possible."
However, Wadephul added that Berlin "will not recognize any change to the 1967 borders without an agreement between the two parties."
"Germany remains committed to the security of the state of Israel," he noted.
00:58 Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon denounced the famine in Gaza under Israel’s blockade, saying, “The horrific images of starving children in Gaza are a man-made disaster.”
“We call for a ceasefire in Gaza, the flow of aid, and the release of all hostages," said Fajon, whose country recognized the State of Palestine in 2024.
00:55 "A Palestinian state must be established living peacefully alongside Israel ... We support the Palestinian people's aspirations for an independent state," said Japan's foreign minister, Takeshi Iwaya, whose country has refused to recognize Palestinian statehood.
"We condemn Israeli settlements in the West Bank and support the two-state solution."
We need sustained support for the Palestinian Authority," added Iwaya.
00:52 British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper underscored that “The State of Palestine is an inalienable right of the Palestinian people.”
“The humanitarian disaster in Gaza is worsening, and the Netanyahu government chooses to escalate the war and block aid,” added Cooper, whose country recognized Palestinian statehood on Sunday.
At the same time, the foreign minister of Britain, which supported the establishment of the state of Israel through its mandate in palestine from 1917-1948, reaffirmed her country's support for Israel.
“We firmly support the security of Israel and its people,” noted Cooper.
Looking ahead, Cooper added, “Recognition of the State of Palestine is the way to a better future.”
00:49 Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf told the conference, “Consensus on the two-state solution is the guarantee for a final settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”
“The time has come to take concrete steps to establish the Palestinian state ... we call for full UN membership for the State of Palestine,” added the Algerian top diplomat, whose country has been playing a leading role in pushing for recognition of Palestinian statehood in the United Nations.
Attaf also urged Palestinian factions to unify, stressing, “The Palestinian interior must consolidate its ranks.”
00:50 Antonio Tajani, the foreign minister of Italy, which refuses to recognize Palestinian statehood, described the situation in Gaza as catastrophic and rejected the displacement of Palestinians.
“The path to peace is still possible, and we will not give up on the dream of peace."
“We will continue supporting the Palestinian Authority and work earnestly to achieve a two-state solution," said Tajani.
"Italy calls for an end to the cycle of violence in the Middle East," added the Italian foreign minister, whose country is one of the largest arms exporters to Israel.
He further demanded that Israel stop the bombing and Hamas release the captives.
00:47 European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, “The war in Gaza must stop, hostages must be released, and the two-state solution is the only plan for peace.”
She added that the EU “will set up a donors’ group for the State of Palestine” and “will establish a mechanism to rebuild the Gaza Strip.”
00:45 European Council President António Costa said, “The only way forward is the two-state solution."
“The time for peace is now, and we must take responsibility to rise to the challenges before us.”
“We call for an end to illegal settlements in the West Bank.”
00:45 “The recent declarations of several Israeli ministers, including the prime minister himself, that no state of Palestine will ever exist, are an additional reason for reaffirming the right and the need of the Palestinians to have their own state,” said Belgium Prime Minister Bart De Wever in his address at the UN two-state solution conference.
“Therefore, Belgium is giving out a strong political and diplomatic signal to the world today by joining the group of countries that announces the recognition of the State of Palestine in the margins of this high-level week of the United Nations General Assembly,” he continues.
“However, this step cannot be a reward for Hamas,” he clarifies.
“Conscious of the trauma suffered after the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, Belgium will proceed to the legal recognition of the State of Palestine once all hostages have been released and all terrorist organizations, such as Hamas, have been removed from the governance of Palestine.”
“The active conduct of diplomatic relations with the new State of Palestine, including the opening of Belgian embassy and the conclusion of international agreements, will be carried out once the objectives of the New York Declaration have been achieved, notably the full demilitarization of Hamas and subsequent the renewal of governance based on presidential and parliamentary elections, giving the Palestinians a democratic, strengthened and renewed authority,” the Belgium leader adds.
00:37 Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden announced that Luxembourg is officially recognizing a Palestinian state.
“There are moments in history when the cause of peace demands both moral clarity and political courage,” Frieden said, calling today “such a moment in history.”
He added, “The recognition of the Palestinian state is not a reward for violence, and we strongly condemn the atrocities of 7 October.”
Frieden continued, “It is the beginning of a renewed commitment to hope, a commitment to diplomacy, to dialogue, to coexistence, and a two-state solution. To the idea fragile, but still possible, that peace can prevail.”
He emphasized, “True and lasting peace is built step by step, stone upon stone.”
00:39 Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela also announced Malta’s recognition of Palestine, joining other countries taking the landmark step.
Abela said, “Let me begin by stating clearly and unequivocally that the Republic of Malta is proud to confirm our official recognition of Palestinian statehood.”
He added, “We recognize the State of Palestine as a demonstration of our commitment to the two-state solution.”
“Malta also supports Israel’s right to exist alongside a democratic Palestinian state.”
Abela warned that a two-state solution would be the “worst possible outcome” for Hamas, saying the group should have no role in a future Palestinian government.
He called for “an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza” and stressed, “The two-state solution is the worst outcome for Hamas because it wants to erase Israel.”
He continued, “We support the Palestinian Authority’s approach of one state, one law, and one security force,” demanding that “Settler violence in the West Bank must stop immediately.”
“Gaza is suffering from starvation,” and “We will not allow the hopes of Palestinian children for a better future to be stolen from them.”
00:35 Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin said the only viable solution for Israelis and Palestinians is the two-state solution.
“What is happening in Gaza is genocide in plain sight,” added Martin, whose country has played a key role in supporting the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination for decades.
“The immense suffering of the Palestinian people over the past two years is an assault on the entire world.”
“Thousands of years of civilization in Gaza have been destroyed,” he said, adding, “The only way to end the cycle of violence in the Middle East is to chart a path for peace.”
“If we do not act today to achieve peace, we may not get another chance,” he concluded.
00:25 Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada has long supported the two-state solution and remains committed to it.
“We want to give peace and the two-state solution a real chance,” he said. “The recognition of the State of Palestine is not a magic solution, but a recognition of the principle of the right to self-determination. It does not legalize terrorism nor compromise Israel’s security.”
“Hamas must release all hostages, disarm, and play no role in the future governance of Palestine,” Carney added.
“The Netanyahu government is systematically preventing the establishment of a Palestinian state and continues its relentless settlement expansion. Israel is violating international law,” he said.
00:10 Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called for full UN membership for Palestine, stressing that it was essential for advancing peace in the region.
“The two-state solution conference comes at a pivotal moment,” he said.
"The state of Palestine must be a full member of the United Nations."
"The people of Gaza must know the world has not forgotten them," added Sanchez, whose country has led efforts to pressure the European Union to cut trade ties with Israel over its genocidal war on the strip.
The Spanish premier warned, “Hunger is killing women and children in Gaza,” urging "immediate global action to stop the killing in Gaza now.”
"The process for the state of Palestine to join this organisation must be completed as soon as possible, on an equal footing with other states," he said.
Spain, alongside Ireland and Norway, already recognised a Palestinian state in May.
23:58 "Today more than ever we need to emphasize that there will be no stability in the Middle East without a just and comprehensive solution that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state on the line of June 1967 with East Jerusalem as its capital," Egypt Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly told the conference.
He went on to condemn the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Palestinian territories, as well as the aggression against Qatar, asserting that the absence of a political horizon will lead to further cycles of violence.
"To put it bluntly, the two-state solution is not just a political solution or moral obligation but also a security imperative."
The Egyptian premier said security will not be achieved in Israel through military forces or any attempt to impose a fait accompli," added Madbouly, whose country has led for nearly two years international efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza in the face of the Israeli blockade on the strip.
He warned that ignoring Palestinian rights will only bring more instability in the region.
The recent report of the UN commission inquiry raises the alarm bell as it confirms that Israel is committing the crime of genocide in its war in Gaza, said Madbouly.
"Reaching a ceasefire and ending the blood bath in Gaza is possible as it is obligatory and necessary."
"Egypt rejects any attempt to displace the Palestinians or liquidate their cause, which amounts to ethnic cleansing."
"What is required of us today is to take practical steps to relaunch a genuine peace process with a specific timeframe," noted the Egyptian premier, whose country has led for nearly two years international efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and mediated along with Qatar to reach a ceasefire.
Egypt's Primer Minister Mostafa Madbouly speaks during a United Nations Summit on Palestinians at UN headquarters during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. AFP
23:55 It is important to protect both Palestinian and Israeli lives, said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whose country recognized Palestinian statehood on Sunday.
“Palestinian children are being deprived of aid,” he said, warning that “the threat of annexing parts of Palestine endangers the two-state solution.”
He added that “Hamas cannot have a role in governing a future Palestinian state,” calling for democratic elections and comprehensive reforms in the Palestinian Authority..
“We can build a future for Palestinians if we work together,” and called for “a credible peace plan.”
23:45 Albert II, Prince of Monaco formally recognizes State of Palestine.
23:45 South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called on the international community to recognize Palestinian statehood and urged immediate steps to end the conflict.
“The only solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the two-state solution ... We call on all UN member states to recognize the State of Palestine,” said Ramaphosa, whose country is leading the genocide case against Israel in the International Court of Justice.
“We support the establishment of a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders and condemn the attacks of 7 October,” he added.
“The French decision to recognize the State of Palestine is courageous,” he continued, noting that “Palestinians have been denied a state for decades.”
“We demand an immediate ceasefire, an end to the genocide in Gaza, and the release of hostages,” he said.
“All obstacles preventing the two-state solution must be removed, including the separation wall,” Ramaphosa added.
“The Palestinian-Israeli conflict must end immediately, and we must act together to achieve a just and lasting solution,” he concluded.
23:40 Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva voiced his country's support for Palestinian statehood.
“We must guarantee the Palestinians’ right to self-determination,” said Lula, whose country was among the first nations to condemn the Israeli war on Gaza as a genocide and cut all diplomatic relations with Tel Aviv in November 2023.
“The flaws that have prevented dialogue and the achievement of peace in the Middle East must be corrected,” he continued.
“What is happening in Gaza is genocide, and the actions of Hamas are unacceptable,” he said.
“There is no justification for the killing and maiming of more than 50,000 children in Gaza,” Lula added.
23:35 Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto told the conference that his country would recognize Israel and will help it in assuring its security if Israel recognizes the independence and statehood of Palestinians.
23:30 "Portugal formally recognizes the State of Palestine as a sovereign state," announced the Portuguese president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, to the conference.
"What is happening in Gaza is genocide, and there is no justification for the killing and maiming of more than 50,000 children in Gaza," said de Sousa.
The General Assembly must assume its responsibility, and the Palestinians' right to self-determination must be guaranteed, he added.
"The errors that have prevented dialogue and the achievement of peace in the Middle East must be rectified."
"Our message is clear," he said "Recognition of the State of Palestine is recognition of peace itself."
"Now. Today. Tomorrow would have been too late.
23:25 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan told the conference, “I congratulate all countries that recognized the State of Palestine for respecting the voice of justice.”
He warned, however, that “The Netanyahu government aims to make the establishment of a Palestinian state impossible ... Israel seeks to kill the two-state solution.”
“The Netanyahu government is committing genocide against its neighbours.”
“Humanitarian suffering is increasing in Gaza, and attacks continue ... The Netanyahu government seeks to force Palestinians into displacement,” he said.
“A ceasefire must be established and Israeli forces must withdraw from Gaza,” said Erdoğan.
“The Palestinian voice has become a global issue,” said Erdoğan.
“Standing against Israeli oppression is a moral duty," said the Turkish president, who cut his country's trade ties with Israel in 2024 over its genocidal war on Gaza.
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a United Nations Summit on Palestinians at UN headquarters during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. AFP
23:20 King Abdullah II of Jordan said, “Every country and every people has the right to have its voice heard, and we raise our voices for justice.”
“We must work to stop all measures that undermine the two-state solution,” he added.
“The two-state solution is the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace.”
King Abdullah II used his address to call for an immediate end to Israel’s war on Gaza.
He added, “We have been witnessing for nearly two years a horrifying scene in Gaza.”
“The war on Gaza must stop, aid must flow there without obstacles, and settler violence in the West Bank must be halted.”
Jordan's King Abdullah II speaks during a United Nations Summit on Palestinians at UN headquarters during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. AFP
23:15 Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has welcomed the historic conference and the global recognition of Palestinian statehood in a post on his social media accounts.
"I welcome the convening of the Two-State Solution Conference in New York as a historic opportunity that must be seized to end decades of conflict and suffering. The recognition of the independent State of Palestine and its realization on the ground is not a dream, but rather a steadfast determination to uphold a right for which the Palestinian people have long struggled, supported by all peoples of the world who aspire to peace. This is the only path to achieving lasting peace, security, and enduring cooperation among all the peoples of the region."
23:00 Speaking to the event via videoconference, Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas said, “The war on our people must stop immediately, and the crimes of blockade and starvation are not a means to achieve security.”
The Palestinian president said a Palestinian state would be unarmed.
“Hamas will have no role in Gaza, and it and other factions must hand over their weapons to the Palestinian Authority.”
Abbas praised regional mediation efforts, saying: “We commend the Egyptian, Qatari, and American mediation and value the positions of Egypt and Jordan in rejecting displacement.”
“We demand that aid be allowed into Gaza, the occupation withdraw, and the hostages be released.”
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas appears on a screen as he speaks virtually during a high-profile meeting at the United Nations aimed at galvanizing support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. AP
22:50 Speaking fourth, UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock condemned attacks on civilians in the Gaza war.
“The world has failed the Gazan girl Hind Rajab and the Israeli child Kfir Beibas.”
Baerbock highlighted the impact of the conflict on children, saying: “Children in Gaza have been terrified for more than 700 days.”
“Humanity is not about choosing one side over the other, but about recognizing that every life has equal value.”
She called for urgent action: “We need an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.”
On responsibilities of the parties, Baerbock said: “Israel must deliver aid to civilians in Gaza, and Hamas must release the hostages.”
She also warned that Israeli settlement expansion undermines peace: “The expansion of settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem undermines the prospects for a political solution.”
She underlined the centrality of a two-state solution: “The only way for Israelis and Palestinians to live with dignity is the two-state solution.”
Baerbock recalled the historical basis for peace: “Resolution 181 laid the foundations for the two-state solution as the only path to peace.”
22:35 Speaking third, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called "for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.”
He added: “There is no justification for what happened on 7 October 2023, nor for the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.”
Guterres stressed: “The city of Jerusalem must become the capital of both the Palestinian and Israeli states.”
He also warned: “There is no justification for what is happening in the West Bank or for the continued expansion of settlements there.”
“The two-state solution requires difficult decisions and courageous leadership from all parties."
“The two-state solution is consistent with international law and enjoys the support of the international community and the General Assembly.”
“Statehood for the Palestinians is a right, not a reward,” added Gutteres, who has been outspoken in condemning the Israeli war and blockade on Gaza for nearly two years.
Gutteres urged world leaders to ensure the two-State solution prevails for the people of Israel, Palestine and all of humanity.
Last week, ahead of the conference, Guterres called on world leaders not to be intimidated by threats from the current government of Israel.
“There can be no peace in the Middle East without the two-state solution,” he said.
The Secretary General challenged those obstructing the two-state process.
“Those who block the path to the two-state solution must answer a fundamental question: what is the alternative?”
“We must renew our commitment to the two-state solution before it is too late,” concluded Gutteres.
22:30 Speaking second, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan urged world leaders to “take the historic step of recognizing the State of Palestine.”
He stressed: “The two-state solution is the only path to achieving peace.”
Calling the gathering in New York “a historic opportunity to achieve peace,” he accused Israel of “continuing its brutal crimes in Gaza and its violations in the West Bank and Jerusalem.”
22:25 Macron said that France’s recognition of Palestine “opens the door to breaking the cycle of violence” and “opens the way to useful negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians.”
He stressed that the move is confirmation that “the Palestinian people are not superfluous”, underlining: “Recognition of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people does not detract from the rights of the Israeli people.”
Macron added that France’s recognition “will be accompanied by recognitions we will hear today from other countries.”
Turning to Gaza, he said: “The moment a ceasefire takes hold in Gaza, we must make an immense effort to bring relief to its people and rebuild the strip.”
Macron also praised the mediation efforts of “Qatar, Egypt and the United States to reach a swap deal and ceasefire in Gaza.”
The full text of the speech can be read here.
22:15 “We can no longer wait to recognize the Palestinian state. The promise of establishing an Arab state in Palestine has not yet been fulfilled. We bear a collective responsibility for failing so far to build a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.”
“Israel continues its operations in Gaza with the declared goal of destroying Hamas, but the lives of thousands of Gazans are still being destroyed.”
22:10 Macron condemned the “brutality of Hamas and those who collaborated with it on 7 October 2023,” saying "the attack shocked Israel and the world."
He added that leaders have gathered today because “the time has come to release the 48 hostages held by Hamas and to stop the war in Gaza.”
He stressed that “there can be no weakness in the face of terrorists, and holding on to humanitarian values is the condition for salvation.”
22:05 President Macron speaks first. "The time for the release of hostages has come. The time for the end of the Gaza war has come. The time for peace has come."
22:02 Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, barred by the United States from attending the UNGA, participates in the event through video conference.
22:00 French President Emmanuel Macron, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, Brazilian President Lula da Silva, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have arrived at the United Nations headquarters for the start of the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.
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