On July 29, 2025, an international conference led by France and Saudi Arabia introduced the New York Declaration, backed by 17 countries including:
- Canada
- Brazil
- Turkey
- Jordan
- Qatar
- Egypt
- the UK
- Alongside the European Union and the Arab League.
Objective: Ending the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict via a Two-State Solution
The declaration urges an immediate end to the ongoing war in Gaza, aiming for a just, peaceful, and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the two-state framework—a vision gaining growing international traction.
Restoring Legitimate Palestinian Governance
Participating nations emphasized that governance, law enforcement, and security across all Palestinian territories must fall under the sole jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority, calling for:
- The end of Hamas’s control over Gaza
- Disarmament of militant factions
- Institutional and security support to the Palestinian Authority for stable governance
These demands echo promises made by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in June, intended to secure broader recognition of an independent Palestinian state.
Condemning the October 7, 2023 Attack and Shifting Arab Stance
Although the UN General Assembly did not issue a formal condemnation of Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel—which triggered the current conflict—the New York Declaration explicitly denounces the assault.
In a France 24 interview, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot hailed the declaration as “historic and unprecedented”, highlighting the shift in Arab positions as they:
- Condemn Hamas for the first time
- Call for its complete disarmament
- Reject its political role in Palestinian governance
- Express intent to pursue normal relations with Israel
- Support the creation of a regional organization involving Israel and future Palestine
New York Declaration Supports All Stability Measures in Gaza
The New York Declaration also calls for:
- Unrestricted access for humanitarian aid to Gaza, facing threats of famine
- Firm rejection of using starvation as a weapon of war
- Support for deploying a temporary international mission tasked with:
- Protecting civilians
- Assisting in the transfer of security control to the Palestinian Authority
- Providing security guarantees for both Palestine and Israel
- Monitoring a future ceasefire agreement
Source: DW
