UN conference closing statement calls for Gaza aid, two-state solution

The closing statement of the high-level international conference hosted by the United Nations on the two-state solution called for coordinated humanitarian aid and the reconstruction of Gaza.

Held under the auspices of Saudi Arabia, represented by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and France, represented by Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, the conference agreed on a comprehensive roadmap aimed at increasing recognition of the State of Palestine, intensifying diplomatic efforts to halt the war and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, and ending Israeli Occupation in the West Bank.

The statement emphasized working toward a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace between Palestinians and "Israelis", stressing the necessity of irreversible steps toward a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders and respect for international law, including humanitarian law.

It called for measures to protect Palestinian civilians and specifically demanded coordinated humanitarian assistance alongside Gaza’s reconstruction. The document referenced the advisory opinion issued in July 2024 by the International Court of Justice, which declared the Israeli occupation unlawful.

This comes amid a staggering death toll in Gaza, where over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed since the Israeli war began on October 7, 2023, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health.

The conference underlined that ending the occupation and implementing the two-state solution are essential to resolving the ongoing conflict and alleviating the humanitarian crisis.