NEW YORK CITY — In a significant diplomatic move, Saudi Arabia and France issued a joint declaration at the United Nations on Tuesday, calling for an immediate end to the war in Gaza and laying out a concrete roadmap toward the long-envisioned two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Unveiled at the close of a high-level international conference co-chaired by both nations, the "New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine" outlines a time-bound plan for the creation of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel — with security guarantees for both parties.
The declaration gained wide support from key international players, including Brazil, Egypt, Japan, Ireland, and the European Union, marking what organizers called an "unprecedented global consensus" for resolving the long-standing conflict.
Key Points from the Declaration:
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Immediate Ceasefire: Urges the implementation of a phased ceasefire agreement brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S., aiming to halt hostilities, release hostages, and ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
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Reunification Under PA: Calls for the reunification of Gaza and the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority (PA), with Hamas relinquishing control in Gaza and surrendering its weapons.
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UN-Led Stabilization Mission: Proposes the creation of a transitional administrative committee under the PA, supported by a temporary UN mission to safeguard civilians and support governance during the transition.
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Political Path Forward: Reaffirms commitment to a two-state solution based on 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of the future Palestinian state.
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Condemnation of Violence: Strongly condemns the Hamas-led attacks on Israeli civilians on Oct. 7, 2023, and the subsequent Israeli military response that caused significant civilian casualties and infrastructure damage in Gaza.
Reconstruction and Regional Peace
The declaration also commits to:
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A Gaza Reconstruction Conference in Cairo, backed by the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
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An international trust fund for Gaza’s recovery, along with continued support for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
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Palestinian reforms, including democratic elections and governance enhancements promised by President Mahmoud Abbas.
On the Israeli side, the declaration urges authorities to:
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Halt settlement expansion
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Stop settler violence
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Publicly support the two-state solution
A Vision for Regional Integration
The declaration highlights a potential future "Peace Day" to celebrate the formal resolution of the conflict and the start of regional collaboration in areas like trade, infrastructure, and energy. It suggests developing a Middle Eastern security framework inspired by ASEAN or the OSCE, promoting long-term peace and cooperation.
What’s Next?
Saudi Arabia and France pledged to present a progress report at the 80th UN General Assembly session in September, and working groups will initiate a follow-up mechanism through the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.
“This is a historic opportunity,” the declaration concludes. “The time for decisive, collective action is now — to end the war, realize Palestinian statehood, and secure peace and dignity for both peoples.”
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