A high-level international conference co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France at the United Nations has renewed calls for the implementation of a two-state solution as the only viable path to lasting peace between Israel and Palestine.

The summit, attended by top diplomats and foreign ministers from across the globe, stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza, protection of civilians, and recognition of Palestinian statehood.

Global unity for two-state solution

At the heart of the conference was a collective call for peace based on international resolutions and human rights. The Qatari delegate emphasized that a two-state solution remains the “only path” to sustainable peace and that Qatar's mediation efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza are ongoing.

Canada's representative echoed this view, stating that a two-state framework would bring “peace and stability” to the region. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring humanitarian aid reaches “those who deserve it,” while pushing for negotiated solutions to end the decades-old conflict.

Gaza crisis and international law

Brazil’s foreign minister called the current suffering in Gaza a “test of international law” and urged for joint global efforts in the reconstruction and governance of the war-torn territory.

The Turkish delegate blamed the Israeli occupation for stalling the creation of an independent Palestinian state, while Jordan’s foreign minister condemned Israel’s unilateral actions in Gaza and the West Bank. He urged for uninterrupted humanitarian aid.

Spain’s foreign minister went a step further, demanding “full international recognition” of the Palestinian state, and underlined the global community’s responsibility in ending the Gaza conflict.

Palestinian Authority backs diplomatic path

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa called the conference a “path of hope” and endorsed the deployment of international forces alongside the Palestinian Authority to restore order in Gaza. He also demanded that Hamas release all hostages and hand over weapons to the Palestinian Authority.

Mustafa welcomed international mediation efforts and called for an immediate end to the war, while reiterating that peace can only be achieved through a two-state framework.

Saudi and French leadership

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan labeled the conference as a “turning point” and declared the Arab Peace Initiative as the foundation of any just and lasting resolution. He called for an end to Israeli violations and the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

“Stability in the region begins with giving the Palestinian people their rights,” he said.

French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné reinforced the urgency to end the war, condemning attacks on civilians — especially women and children — and called the event a “critical milestone” toward actualizing the two-state solution.

UN chief delivers stark warning

UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued his strongest statement yet on the Gaza conflict. “We are on the brink of collapse, and the two-state solution is further away than ever,” he warned.

He denounced the “wholesale destruction of Gaza” and described the situation as “intolerable.” Guterres also accused Israel of carrying out acts of genocide in full view of the international community.

“This conference must be a turning point,” he declared, demanding an immediate ceasefire, political will to end the aggression, and a recommitment to a just peace.