A Beacon of Hope: The UN's Endorsement of the Two-State Solution Amid Crisis

This month, the UN General Assembly resounded with applause as it endorsed the New York Declaration aimed at reviving the two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. Adopted by a remarkable majority of 142 countries, this initiative, spearheaded by France and Saudi Arabia, brings a faint yet critical sense of hope to one of the most protracted and devastating crises of our time. Simultaneously, troubling reports from the UN Commission of Inquiry have substantiated long-standing allegations from human rights organizations and genocide experts asserting that Israel is committing acts of genocide in Gaza. As the ground invasion of Gaza City escalates, the international community faces both a legal and moral imperative to intervene, which includes the immediate imposition of sanctions on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to halt the ongoing war crimes. The current UN General Assembly in New York serves as a pivotal moment—not just for addressing the horrific acts taking place in Gaza, but also for ushering in the long-overdue recognition of a Palestinian state. This is especially crucial for Europe, as the EU's global standing is under severe scrutiny due to its response to the Gaza conflict. More than three decades have passed since Yasser Arafat and Yitzhak Rabin clasped hands to seal the Oslo Accords; yet, peace appears more elusive than ever. Although European countries and institutions formally endorse the vision of a viable two-state solution, the reality on the ground demonstrates an urgent need for more principled and decisive action. As the suffering in Gaza persists, the Israeli government is aggressively undermining the prospect of Palestinian self-determination. Increasing West Bank settlements violate international law, and settler violence continues unchecked. Additionally, the Israeli administration is undermining the Palestinian Authority by withholding tax revenue, complicating their ability to pay salaries and maintain essential services. European nations, including Sweden and Spain, have already recognized Palestine, with further recognition from the UK, Malta, Belgium, Portugal, Luxembourg, Canada, and Australia following France's July announcement of recognition. This trend is essential in sending a strong and unified message that the EU remains committed to the two-state solution. However, more must be done. While the EU exerts pressure on Israel to cease its war crimes and stop undermining the viability of a Palestinian state, it should also provide concrete support to strengthen Palestine. The EU signed an interim association agreement with the Palestinian Authority back in 1997. Given the ever-escalating settler violence in the occupied West Bank and the Netanyahu government’s plans to expand settlements in the E1 area, which threatens to divide the territory and cut it off from East Jerusalem, it is time to progress further. Upgrading the EU's relationship with Palestine to a fully-fledged association agreement, complete with enhanced financial backing, expanded trade relations, and a structured political dialogue, is a necessary step to reinforce the Palestinian Authority's state-building efforts and reaffirm the EU's commitment to a two-state solution. According to Netanyahu, a two-state solution contradicts Israel's security interests; however, the opposite holds true. Israel's stability and safety demand sovereignty and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. Denying Palestine this fundamental right only erodes the possibility of constructive dialogue. Both Palestinians and Israelis are entitled to freedom, security, and dignity in their pursuit of peace. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2