UN conference discusses feasibility of recognizing a Palestinian state

France began a three-day United Nations conference on Monday by stating that the only path to peace in the Middle East is through a two-state solution.

"Only a political, two-state solution will help respond to the legitimate aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security. There is no alternative," French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said at the start of the conference — the High-Level Meeting on the Implementation of the Two-State Solution — which is being co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia at UN Headquarters in New York.

Several days ago, French President Emmanuel Macron said that he was prepared to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN in September, while Barrot expected other European countries to confirm their intention to recognize a Palestinian state during the conference.

Calling for an urgent end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said at a news conference on Monday that, "achieving security and stability in the region begins with justice for the Palestinian people and the realization of their legitimate rights."

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa called for the deployment of an international force in the area.

"All states have a responsibility to act now," Mustafa said. "Recognize the State of Palestine without delay."

More than 125 countries are attending the conference, including ministerial representatives from more than 50 nations. However, Israel and the United States were absent, and both remain opposed to current proposals for a two-state solution.

The current fighting in Gaza broke out after Hamas militia attacked southern Israel on Oct 7, 2023, killing over 1,200 people and kidnapping more than 250. Israel responded by invading Gaza with the intent to wipe out Hamas and force the return of the hostages.

Barrot said Arab nations were prepared to condemn the attack by Hamas, and to begin a process of normalizing relations with Israel.

"The Gaza conflict, now dragging on for 21 months, has resulted in over 58,000 deaths and an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe," Fu Cong, China's ambassador to the UN, said last week at a UN Security Council open debate on the situation in the Middle East.

"Military means are not the right way to solve problems. More killing will not bring lasting peace. China urges Israel to immediately cease all military actions in Gaza, fulfill its obligations under international humanitarian law, fully restore humanitarian access, and support the United Nations and other humanitarian agencies in delivering assistance," Fu said.

"Without stability in the Middle East, there can hardly be tranquility in the world. Instability in the Middle East unsettles the world. The Middle East cannot remain perpetually under the shadow of conflict, nor can its people live indefinitely in the anxiety of war. The question of Palestine remains at the heart of the Middle East issue, and the implementation of the two-state solution is the only viable way to resolve it," Fu said.

shiguang@chinadailyusa.com