Arab nations and the European Union have united to demand Hamas to lay down its arms and end its rule in Gaza, with the goal of enabling the Palestinian Authority to take over the Strip. This marks the first time the entire Arab League has joined in demanding an immediate ceasefire and a two-state solution. The declaration, backed by 17 other countries, highlights the need for international engagement to support a sovereign and independent Palestinian state, living in peace with Israel.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently rejected the two-state solution, citing security concerns. The document also criticizes the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas and Israel’s conduct in Gaza, stating that both sides must be held accountable for the humanitarian crisis. The U.S., however, has refused to participate in the conference, calling it unproductive and ill-timed.
The declaration, obtained and published by the Times of Israel, calls for the unification of Gaza and the West Bank under the control of the Palestinian Authority, with the aim of ending the conflict and restoring stability to the region. It also demands that Israel commit to a two-state solution that includes a sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. The declaration emphasizes that only a political solution can bring about peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
While the Arab League and the European Union have endorsed this declaration, Israel has not responded positively, with its U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon stating that no U.N. resolution will change the fact that Israel is determined to eliminate Hamas. The U.S. has also been critical of the conference, arguing that it lacks practical solutions and may even embolden Hamas by giving it more international backing. The conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, represents a significant step in the international effort to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, although major challenges remain in achieving a lasting peace.