The conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, brought together a wide range of world leaders, including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas via video link, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, King Abdullah II of Jordan, and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
The UN General Assembly had previously convened high-level officials in July to promote a two-state solution, stressing that “no other alternative” exists for lasting peace.
The joint statement released by the co-chairs on Monday evening said the declaration, adopted with 142 votes in favour, reaffirmed the international community’s commitment to a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel and set an “irreversible pathway” toward peace and regional stability.
“The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate with civilians and hostages paying an unjustifiable price,” the statement read.
“The New York Declaration aims at providing a principled, yet realistic alternative to the cycle of violence and endless wars,” it added.
Ending the genocial war in Gaza and securing the release of all captives was identified as an “absolute priority.”
The co-chairs called for a permanent ceasefire, the release of Israeli captives, an exchange of Palestinian prisoners, unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid throughout Gaza, and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the strip.
They also pledged support for a temporary UN-mandated international stabilization mission at the invitation of the Palestinian Authority, along with scaling up training for Palestinian security forces.
The statement emphasized the need to reunite Gaza with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority, endorsing its “One State, One Government, One Law, One Gun” policy.
Message to Israel
The co-chairs urged Israel to halt settlement activity, land seizures, and annexation plans in the occupied Palestinian territories, calling any annexation a “redline” that would have serious consequences.
They specifically demanded Israel cancel its controversial E1 project and commit publicly to the two-state solution.
"We urge the Israeli leadership to seize this opportunity for peace, and to issue a clear public commitment to the Two-State solution, immediately end violence and incitement against Palestinians, halt all settlement, land grabs, and annexation activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and put an end to settlers’ violence," the statement read.
The statement also made clear that acheieving a just and lasting peace is premised on "ending the Israeli occupation."
Reforms and governance
The statement commended Abbas for historic commitments to non-violence and a demilitarized Palestinian state, as well as reforms under way in Ramallah. These include the abolition of the prisoner payments system, curriculum reform under EU and Saudi oversight, and plans to hold elections within a year of a ceasefire.
"We support President Abbas in advancing further measures to reform the governance of the Palestinian Authority," the statement said.
France and Saudi Arabia also welcomed the launch of an Emergency Coalition for Palestine to mobilize financial support for the Palestinian Authority and pressed Israel to immediately release withheld Palestinian tax revenues.
"We invite all states and international organizations to join this effort," they said.
Recognition of Palestine expands
The conference saw formal recognition of the State of Palestine exapnd tremendously by numerous countries, including Australia, Canada, the UK, Denmark, Luxembourg, Portugal, Malta, and Monaco joining France and others in what the co-chairs described as a growing global movement. They urged remaining states to follow suit.
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.
Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela also announced Malta’s recognition of Palestine, joining other countries taking the landmark step.
“Let me begin by stating clearly and unequivocally that the Republic of Malta is proud to confirm our official recognition of Palestinian statehood,” Abela said.
"Portugal formally recognizes the State of Palestine as a sovereign state," Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa announced.
"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.
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