UN General Assembly holds high-level session on Palestine, two-state solution

Andorra’s Foreign Minister, Imma Tor Faus, announced her country’s intention to recognize the State of Palestine once certain conditions are met, emphasizing the importance of a two-state solution as the only credible path to peace.

The announcement was made on Monday during a speech at the United Nations in New York.

“With this widely shared assessment in mind, the government of Andorra approved the recognition of Palestine, we will continue to forcefully call for the release of all hostages, for the disarmament of Hamas,” Faus said.

The minister stressed that a future Palestinian state should be demilitarized and governed under a “reformed authority” that excludes Hamas.

“When the conditions are in place, and if we can guarantee the full regional integration of Israel, this recognition will take its effect,” she added.

The United Arab Emirates urged the international community to continue efforts toward an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, the UAE Minister of State said during a high-level United Nations conference on the Palestinian issue.

Speaking at the summit, the minister emphasized the need for decisive international action, calling on the UN Security Council to take responsibility in addressing violations committed by 'Israel'.

“The Security Council must fulfill its duties in confronting Israel’s violations,” the minister said, underlining the urgency of halting hostilities and protecting civilians.

Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs warned at the United Nations that Gaza has been “completely destroyed” and that the West Bank is facing “brutal violence” amid 'Israel’s' ongoing military operations.

Speaking at the high-level international conference on the Palestinian question, the Qatari official also noted that the 'Israeli' campaign has affected multiple countries in the region, including Qatar itself.

The minister’s remarks underscored the widespread humanitarian and security impact of the conflict, calling attention to the urgent need for international intervention to protect civilians and restore stability.

While Japan has not yet formally recognized the State of Palestine, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya indicated that the move is on the horizon.

Speaking to attendees at the United Nations, Iwaya said the declaration is “not a matter of if, but when,” fueling anticipation over Japan’s next steps in Middle East diplomacy.

The Dutch Foreign Minister reaffirmed the Netherlands’ support for a two-state solution for 'Israel' and Palestine during the ongoing high-level international conference at the United Nations.

Addressing the summit, the minister stressed the urgent need to end the decades-long cycle of violence affecting both Palestinians and 'Israelis'. “We must put a stop to the spiral of violence that has afflicted Palestinians and Israelis for decades,” the minister said.

The Dutch official called on the international community to hold 'Israel' accountable and push for a change in its approach toward the conflict. “The international community must compel Israel to change course,” the minister said.

In addition, the minister urged Hamas to release all captives and surrender its weapons, emphasizing the importance of restoring peace and stability in the region.

Highlighting the significance of the conference, the Dutch Foreign Minister said, “We must build on the outcomes of this conference and maintain the momentum toward a lasting resolution.”

The United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has reaffirmed the UK’s support for Palestinian statehood, calling it “the inalienable right of the Palestinian people.”

Malta has formally recognized the State of Palestine, becoming the latest European country to take this diplomatic step. The announcement was made on Monday by Prime Minister Robert Abela during a summit on a two-state solution at the United Nations in New York.

“Let me begin by stating clearly and unequivocally that the Republic of Malta is proud to confirm our official recognition of Palestinian statehood,” Abela said.

The Maltese leader emphasized that his country continues to support 'Israel’s' right to exist alongside a democratic Palestinian state, underlining the nation’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the long-standing conflict.

Abela also stressed the implications for Hamas, arguing that a two-state solution would be “the worst possible outcome” for the organization and that it should not play a role in any future Palestinian government.

“If Palestinians can see a peaceful and realistic road to nationhood and self-determination, it fatally undermines deciding cries of Hamas,” he said.

Luxembourg officially recognizes the state of Palestine

Belgium has joined a growing number of countries recognizing the State of Palestine, Prime Minister Bart De Wever announced, calling the move a “strong political and diplomatic signal to the world.”

De Wever emphasized that full legal recognition of Palestine will only take place once certain conditions are met. “The legal recognition of a Palestinian state can only proceed once all hostages have been released and all terrorist organisations such as Hamas have been removed from the governance of Palestine,” he said.

The Belgian government also clarified that the practical aspects of diplomatic engagement, including opening an embassy in Palestine and signing international agreements, will follow the achievement of these objectives, as outlined in the New York Declaration.

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has defended his country’s recognition of the State of Palestine, arguing that the move “empowers those who seek peaceful coexistence and the end of Hamas.”

Speaking publicly on Monday, Carney emphasized that recognizing Palestine “doesn’t legitimise terrorism,” directly addressing criticisms from 'Israeli' and American officials.

Carney also accused 'Israel’s' current government of actively undermining the prospect of Palestinian statehood. “The current Israeli government is working methodically to prevent the prospect of a Palestinian state from ever being established,” he said.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, an outspoken critic of 'Israel's' war on Gaza, on Monday called for a state of Palestine to be admitted to the United Nations after a French-led summit on recognition.

"This conference marks a milestone but it's not the end of the road. It's only the beginning," Sanchez said. "The state of Palestine must be a member."

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said Monday that his country would host a Gaza reconstruction conference as soon as a ceasefire had been reached in the devastated territory.

"Egypt will, as soon as we reach a ceasefire, host an international reconstruction conference on the Gaza Strip to mobilize the necessary funding for the Arab-Islamic reconstruction plan," he said at a conference on the two-state solution at the United Nations.

Australian Prime Minister: In 1947, Australia was proudly one of the first states to recognize the state of Israel, but that recognition included two states, the state of Israel and the state of Palestine.

Monaco officially recognizes the state of Palestine

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa: The recognition of the state of Palestine is a recognition of peace itself. Now today, tomorrow would have been too late.

Lula: Given the Security Council's failure to act, the General Assembly must take over and secure Palestine's right to self-determination.

Lula: Hunger does not only afflict the body, it shatters the soul.

President of Brazil Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva: How do we build a government without empowering the Palestinian Authority?

King Abdullah: Almost every year, our countries have met to dry the violence and injustice.

King Abdullah: The war in Gaza must end, and humanitarian aid must flow.

King Abdullah: Today the world is taking a significant step. The two-state solution is the only path of long-lasting peace.

King Abdullah: We thank all countries that recognize the state of Palestine

King Abdullah: I thank France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia