BETH – New York | Monday, July 28, 2025

The High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Resolution of the Palestinian Issue and Implementation of the Two-State Solution officially kicked off today at the United Nations General Assembly headquarters in New York, under joint Saudi–French chairmanship — a move seen as one of the most significant international political initiatives to end the Palestinian–Israeli conflict.

🇸🇦 Saudi Statement: Pivotal and Visionary

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan opened the session by stating:

“The Kingdom believes that the two-state solution is the key to stability in the region, and the New York conference is a pivotal step toward its implementation.”

He emphasized that achieving stability begins by granting the Palestinian people their full rights, and he welcomed the French president’s intention to recognize the State of Palestine.

Prince Faisal also declared that “the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza must end immediately,” noting that Saudi Arabia and France facilitated the transfer of $300 million from the World Bank to support the Palestinian people.

He added:

“The Arab Peace Initiative remains the foundation for any just and comprehensive solution… We call for global support to the international coalition aiming to implement the two-state solution.”

🎯 Global Supportive Statements: “A Turning Point”

🔹 French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized that “targeting civilians in Gaza is unacceptable,” stating that “the two-state solution must become a tangible reality,” and describing the conference as “an unstoppable turning point.”

🔹 UN Secretary-General António Guterres thanked Saudi Arabia and France for organizing the event, saying:

“We have a unique opportunity that must be seized. The two-state solution is a political and moral imperative.”

He continued:

“The annexation of the West Bank is illegal and must stop. Any actions that undermine the two-state solution are wholly unacceptable.”

🇵🇸 Palestinian Position: A Historic Opportunity

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa described the conference as “a historic opportunity”, stating:

“We are grateful to Saudi Arabia and France for leading this historic conference — it affirms that the world stands with the Palestinian people.”

He called for the unification of the West Bank and Gaza under the Palestinian Authority, urging Hamas to hand over its weapons, and affirmed readiness to “implement all our commitments in Gaza.” He also stressed that “peace is the only path forward.”

He further called for the deployment of international forces in coordination with the Palestinian Authority to protect the population.

🏛️ Background and Objectives of the Conference

The two-day conference (Monday–Tuesday) aims to:

Find an immediate solution to Israeli violations.

Achieve comprehensive peace through the implementation of the two-state solution.

Serve as a prelude to an international summit in Paris or New York in September, possibly during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.

The conference includes eight committees working since June to develop political, economic, and security frameworks for the Palestinian state, involving countries such as:
Spain, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Egypt, Indonesia, UK, Norway, Brazil, Mexico, Senegal, the Arab League, and the European Union.

🇸🇦 Saudi Position: Leadership and Resolve

Saudi Arabia reaffirmed that its co-chairmanship with France reflects its long-standing commitment to:

A just peace guaranteeing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders,

With East Jerusalem as its capital,

And support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people in all international forums.

The Kingdom reiterated that the Palestinian cause remains its top priority, underscoring its steadfast stance toward the security and stability of the region.