As the conflict in Gaza escalates, the plight of its residents continues to intensify, drawing global attention back to the United Nations. On September 22, leaders from around the world will convene at UN Headquarters in New York for a significant summit aimed at reviving the “two-state solution” – a long-discussed framework for peace that envisions an Israeli state and a Palestinian state coexisting peacefully within secure and recognized borders. This summit is co-sponsored by France and Saudi Arabia, underscoring the international community’s commitment to addressing one of the most enduring conflicts of our time.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has voiced urgent concerns about the diminishing prospects for peace. During an April address to the Security Council, he cautioned that the two-state solution is “at risk of vanishing altogether,” and lamented that the political will needed to achieve this goal feels “more distant than ever.” In a poignant reflection, he posed a critical question: “What is the alternative? Is it a one-state solution in which either the Palestinians are expelled or forced to live in their land without rights?” Guterres stressed that it is the responsibility of the international community to keep the two-state solution viable and to create the conditions necessary for it to succeed.
The discussions at the upcoming summit will center around several key themes that have been part of the dialogue on the Palestinian question for decades. The concept of establishing two nations, one for Jews and the other for Palestinians, has roots that predate the UN itself, with numerous resolutions and peace talks attempting to chart a path toward this goal. In 1947, the UN took up the mantle of addressing the Palestinian issue, proposing a partition plan that aimed to create two independent states with Jerusalem as an international city. Since then, the quest for peace has seen many milestones, including the landmark Oslo Accords of 1993, which laid the groundwork for Palestinian self-governance in parts of the West Bank and Gaza.
However, decades of negotiations have often been marred by conflict and a lack of progress. The overarching goal of the United Nations remains to support both Palestinians and Israelis in resolving their differences and ending the occupation in line with international law and UN resolutions. This vision seeks to establish a sovereign, democratic, and viable Palestinian state alongside Israel, living in peace and security within recognized borders based on pre-1967 lines.
The backdrop of the September 22 summit is particularly dire. Since October 7, 2023, the ongoing Israeli military operations have resulted in the deaths of over 60,000 people in Gaza, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis that has left many in dire need of assistance. The situation is compounded by reports of famine in northern Gaza and Israel’s military actions against Hamas officials abroad. Yet amidst this turmoil, the two-state solution is gaining renewed diplomatic traction.
Recently, the UN General Assembly adopted the “New York Declaration,” which calls for a “just and lasting peace grounded in international law and based on the two-state solution.” This resolution was passed with significant support, despite opposition from the United States and Israel, which had boycotted a related conference in July. The summit on September 22 is expected to build on this momentum, with French President Emmanuel Macron poised to announce France’s recognition of the State of Palestine. Other countries, including the UK, Canada, Belgium, and Australia, are reportedly considering similar steps, which could significantly shift the diplomatic landscape.
In summary, the upcoming summit represents a critical juncture for efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With global leaders gathering to discuss pathways toward peace, there is hope that renewed commitment and recognition of Palestinian statehood could provide a much-needed impetus for a comprehensive roadmap towards a two-state solution. The world watches closely, as the outcome may determine not only the future of the region but the well-being of millions living in the shadow of violence and uncertainty.
