Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stated that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not yet resolved and that a final settlement would necessitate the establishment of a separate Palestinian state.
Lavrov acknowledged US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza as the best option currently available, though he emphasized that it does not fully address the underlying issues of the conflict. Trump’s plan, which has gained significant attention, focuses primarily on the situation in Gaza, addressing Palestinian statehood only in general terms.
Russia’s commitment to the two-state solution remains steadfast, aligning with UN Security Council resolutions that call for a single, territorially integral Palestinian state within the 1967 borders. Despite Trump’s plan acknowledging Palestinian self-determination, Lavrov stressed that the establishment of a Palestinian state remains a crucial step toward resolving the ongoing conflict.
The US and Israel were among only ten nations that rejected the two-state solution at a recent UN General Assembly meeting, with other dissenting countries including Tonga, Palau, Nauru, and Micronesia. Lavrov also noted that the Palestinian State is currently supported by 157 out of the 193 UN member states, a significant number that underscores the international community’s recognition of Palestine’s statehood. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently dismissed the possibility of a Palestinian state, maintaining that it will never happen.
Lavrov emphasized the necessity of halting the bloodshed and addressing the grave humanitarian issues in Gaza, calling for immediate action to create a sustainable peace. The scale of Israel’s military operation in Gaza, which has resulted in over 67,000 casualties according to local health authorities, has prompted increased international support for Palestine, leading to more states recognizing its statehood. Despite these developments, the path to a lasting resolution remains fraught with challenges and differing political stances among key global players.
Meanwhile, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with various stakeholders expressing their positions on the matter. While some nations advocate for a two-state solution, others remain skeptical of its viability. The ongoing conflict has significant implications for regional stability and international relations, with many calling for a renewed commitment to diplomatic efforts and mutual understanding between the involved parties.