High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution

Statement by the Co-Chairs of the Conference: the French Republic and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,

And the Co-Chairs of the Working Groups: The Federative Republic of Brazil, Canada, The Arab Republic of Egypt, The Republic of Indonesia, Ireland, The Italian Republic, Japan, The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, The United Mexican States, The Kingdom of Norway, The State of Qatar, The Republic of Senegal, The Kingdom of Spain, The Republic of Türkiye, The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, The European Union and the League of Arab States.

1. We, Leaders and Representatives, gathered at the United Nations in New York on 28-30 July 2025, at a historically critical moment for peace, security, and stability in the Middle East.

2. We agreed to take collective action to end the war in Gaza, to achieve a just, peaceful and lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the effective implementation of the two-State solution, and to build a better future for Palestinians, Israelis and all peoples of the region.

3. Recent developments have highlighted, once again, and more than ever, the terrifying human toll and the grave implications for regional and international peace and security of the persistence of the Middle East conflict. Absent decisive measures towards the two-State solution and robust international guarantees, the conflict will deepen and regional peace will remain elusive.

4. We reiterated our condemnation of all attacks by any party against civilians, including all acts of terrorism and indiscriminate attacks, and all attacks against civilian objects, acts of provocation, incitement and destruction. We recall that the taking of hostages is prohibited under international law. We reaffirm our rejection of any actions leading to territorial or demographic changes, including forced displacement of the Palestinian civilian population, which constitutes a flagrant violation of International humanitarian law. We condemn the attacks committed by Hamas against civilians on the 7th of October. We also condemn the attacks by Israel against civilians in Gaza and civilian infrastructure, siege and starvation, which have resulted in a devastating humanitarian catastrophe and protection crisis. There is no justification for breaches in grave violation of international law, including international humanitarian law, and we stressed the need for accountability.

5. War, occupation, terror and forced displacement cannot deliver either peace or security. Only a political solution can. The end of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the implementation of the two-State solution are the only way to satisfy the legitimate aspirations, in accordance with international law, of both Israelis and Palestinians and the best way to end violence in all its forms and any destabilizing role of non-state actors, put an end to terrorism and violence in all its forms, guarantee the security of both peoples and the sovereignty of two states, and for peace, prosperity and regional integration to prevail to the benefit of all peoples in the region.

6. We have thus committed to taking tangible, timebound, and irreversible steps for the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the implementation of the Two-State solution, to achieve, through concrete actions, as rapidly as possible, the realization of an independent, sovereign, economically viable and democratic State of Palestine living side by side, in peace and security with Israel, thus enabling full regional integration and mutual recognition.

7. We agreed to support that aim and within a timebound process the conclusion and implementation of a just and comprehensive peace agreement between Israel and Palestine, in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions, the Madrid terms of reference, including the principle of land for peace, and the Arab Peace Initiative, ending the occupation, resolving all outstanding and final status issues and ending all claims, achieving just, and lasting peace, and ensuring security for all and enabling full regional integration and mutual recognition in the Middle East, in full respect for the sovereignty of all States.

Ending the War in Gaza and securing the day after for Palestinians and Israelis

8. The war in Gaza must end now. We expressed support for the efforts of Egypt, Qatar and the United States to immediately bring parties back to implementing the ceasefire agreement in all its phases leading to a permanent end to hostilities, the release of all hostages, the exchange of Palestinian prisoners, the return of all remains, and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and reiterated our determination to act for the achievement of these objectives. In this context, Hamas must free all hostages.

9. We demanded the immediate, safe, unconditional and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale through all crossings and throughout the Gaza Strip, in coordination with the UN and ICRC and in line with humanitarian principles. This must include the immediate lifting of restrictions and opening by Israel, the Occupying power, of border crossings, resumption of power supplies and the entry of fuel, medical supplies, food, water and other essential supplies. We reiterated that the UN and humanitarian workers must be protected and able to operate effectively. We stressed our rejection of any use of starvation as a method of warfare which is prohibited under international law and the importance of immediate action to address rapidly rising cases of starvation and to prevent widespread famine in Gaza.

10. Gaza is an integral part of a Palestinian State and must be unified with the West Bank. There must be no occupation, siege, territorial reduction, or forced displacement.

11. Governance, law enforcement and security across all Palestinian territory must lie solely with the Palestinian Authority, with appropriate international support. We welcomed the “One State, One Government, One Law, One Gun” policy of the Palestinian Authority and pledged our support to its implementation including through the necessary DDR process that should be completed within an agreed mechanism with international partners and a set timeframe. In the context of ending the war in Gaza, Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, with international engagement and support, in line with the objective of a sovereign and independent Palestinian State.

12. We supported the urgent implementation of the Arab-OIC reconstruction plan to allow early recovery and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip, while ensuring that Palestinians remain in their land. We encouraged all States and regional and international partners in this regard to actively participate in the Gaza Recovery and Reconstruction Conference to be held soon in Cairo.

13. Following the ceasefire, a transitional administrative committee must be immediately established to operate in Gaza under the umbrella of the Palestinian Authority.

14. We urged member States, the United Nations, its agencies, international organizations to provide resources and assistance at scale to support recovery and reconstruction, including through a dedicated reconstruction international Trust Fund to that aim. We underlined the indispensable role of UNRWA, and expressed our commitment to continue supporting, including through the appropriate funding, the agency in the implementation of its mandate and welcomed its commitment and ongoing efforts to implement the recommendations of the Colonna report. Upon the achievement of a just solution to the Palestinian refugee issue to be agreed upon in accordance with U.N. General Assembly Resolution 194, UNRWA will hand over its public-like services in the Palestinian territory to empowered and prepared Palestinian institutions.

15. We supported the deployment of a temporary international stabilization mission upon invitation by the Palestinian Authority and under the aegis of the United Nations and in line with UN principles, building on existing UN capacities, to be mandated by the UN Security Council, with appropriate regional and international support. We welcomed the readiness expressed by some Member States to contribute in troops.

16. This mission, which could evolve depending on the needs, would provide protection to the Palestinian civilian population, support transfer of internal security responsibilities to the Palestinian Authority, provide capacity building support for the Palestinian State and its security forces, and security guarantees for Palestine and Israel, including monitoring of the ceasefire and of a future peace agreement, in full respect of their sovereignty.

17. We committed to supporting the Palestinian government and Palestinian security forces, through funding program from regional and international partners, with appropriate training, equipment, vetting and advising, building on the experience of missions such as USSC, EUPOLCOPPS & EUBAM Rafah.

18. We also committed to supporting measures and programs combating radicalization, incitement, dehumanization, violent extremism conducive to terrorism, discrimination and hate speech across all platforms and actors, and promoting a culture of peace at school, in Israel and Palestine, and to support civil society engagement and dialogue. We welcomed the ongoing efforts to modernize the Palestinian curriculum and called upon Israel to undertake a similar effort. We supported setting up an international monitoring mechanism to verify both sides’ commitment to these objectives.

Empowering a sovereign and economically viable State of Palestine, living side by side, in peace and security with Israel

19. We reaffirmed our unwavering support, in accordance with international law and the relevant UN resolutions, to the implementation of the two-State solution, where two democratic and sovereign States, Palestine and Israel, live side by side in peace and security within their secure and recognized borders on the basis of the 1967 lines, including with regard to Jerusalem.

20. We welcomed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ commitments on behalf of Palestine expressed in his letter dated June 9th, 2025, including to the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine, and the continued rejection of violence and terrorism. We also welcomed President Abbas’ statement that the Palestinian State should be the sole provider of security on its territory, but has no intention to be a militarized State and is ready to work on security arrangements beneficial to all parties, in full respect of its sovereignty and as long as it benefits from international protection.

21. We reaffirmed the need for the Palestinian Authority to continue implementing its credible reform agenda—with international support, particularly from the EU and the League of Arab States, focusing on good governance, transparency, fiscal sustainability, fight against incitement and hate speeches, service provision, business climate and development.

22. We also welcomed President Abbas’ commitment to holding democratic and transparent general and presidential elections throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, within a year, under international auspices, enabling democratic competition between Palestinian actors committed to respect the PLO political platform, its international commitments and the relevant UN resolutions, and the principle of “One State, One Government, One Law and One Gun”, and allowing for a new generation of elected representatives to take responsibility. Upon invitation by the PA, the EU committed to continued support to the electoral process.

23. We called on the Israeli leadership to issue a clear public commitment to the Two-State Solution, including a sovereign, and viable Palestinian State, to immediately end violence and incitement against Palestinians, to immediately halt all settlement, land grabs and annexation activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, publicly renounce to any annexation project or settlement policy, and put an end to settlers’ violence, including by implementing UNSC resolution 904 and enacting a legislation to punish and deter violent settlers and their illegal actions.

24. We called on both sides to pursue efforts for their respective political parties to adhere to the principles of non-violence, mutual recognition and the two-State solution.

25. We reaffirmed our support for the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. Taking note that there is no ongoing negotiations between the parties, and that illegal unilateral actions are posing an existential threat to the realization of the independent State of Palestine, we reiterated that recognition and realization of the State of Palestine are a an essential and indispensable component of the achievement of the two-State solution, while recalling that recognition is a sovereign decision of each individual State. Full admission of the State of Palestine to the United Nations is an indispensable element of the political solution ending the conflict, which will enable full regional integration.

26. We committed to mobilizing political and financial support for the Palestinian Authority as it advances its reforms to help it strengthen institutional capacities, implement its reform agenda, and uphold its responsibilities across the Occupied Palestinian Territory. To that aim, we called on more States to commit to an increased financial support, along the EU and other donors, and for the convening, as soon as possible, of an international donors’ meeting.

27. We agreed to promote Palestinian economic development, facilitating trade, and enhancing Palestinian private sector competitiveness. We called for the removal of movement and access restrictions and the immediate release of withheld Palestinian tax revenues and committed to the revision of the Paris Protocol on Economic Relations (1994), the establishment of a new framework for clearance revenue transfers leading to Palestinian ownership over taxation, as well as the full integration of Palestine into the International Monetary and Financial System and ensuring sustainable corresponding banking relations for the long-term.

Preserving the two-State solution against illegal unilateral measures

28. We stressed that compliance with and respect for the Charter of the United Nations and international law is a cornerstone of peace and security in the region.

29. We committed to protecting peace efforts against potential spoilers who seek to derail the implementation of the two-State solution through illegal unilateral measures and violent actions.

30. We reaffirmed our strong opposition to all illegal actions that, on both sides, undermine the viability of the two State-solution, including settlement activities, and expressed our commitment to taking concrete measures, in accordance with international law, and in line with the relevant UN resolutions and the 19 July 2024 Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice, to help realize the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and to counter the illegal settlement policy in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and policies and threats of forcible displacement and annexation.

31. We called for upholding unchanged the legal and historical Status Quo in the Islamic and Christian Holy Sites in Jerusalem, and we stress the key role of the Hashemite Custodianship in this regard, and support for the role of the Jordan-run Jerusalem Awqaf and Aqsa Affairs Department.

32. We committed to adopting restrictive measures, against violent extremist settlers and entities and individuals supporting illegal settlements, in accordance with international law.

33. We committed to adopting targeted measures, in accordance with international law, against entities and individuals acting against the principle of the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine, through violence or acts of terrorism, and in breach of international law.

Achieving regional integration through ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

34. Regional integration and independent Palestinian Statehood are intertwined objectives. The end of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the core of the Arab-Israeli conflict, is imperative for regional peace, stability and integration. Only by ending the war in Gaza, releasing all hostages, ending occupation, rejecting violence and terror, realizing an independent, sovereign and democratic Palestinian State, ending the occupation of all Arab territories and providing solid security guarantees for Israel and Palestine, can normal relations and coexistence among the region’s peoples and States be achieved.

35. We agreed to take tangible steps in promoting mutual recognition, peaceful coexistence, and cooperation among all States in the region, linked to irreversible implementation of the two-State solution.

36. We called upon both the Israelis and Palestinians to resume, with international support, supervision and guarantees, negotiations in good faith and with good will to achieve mutually assured peace and stability.

37. We agreed to support, in parallel to the conclusion of a peace agreement between Palestine and Israel, renewed effort on the Syria-Israel and Lebanon-Israel tracks with the aim of achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East, in accordance with international law and the relevant UN resolutions, putting an end to all claims.

38. We committed to preparing the ground for a future “Peace Day,” building on the Arab Peace
Initiative, the “European Peace Supporting Package”, and other international contributions, which will deliver clear dividends for Palestinians, Israelis, and the region as a whole, including on trade, infrastructure, and energy, and enable regional integration, leading to a regional security architecture that promotes and respects the rights of all peoples and the sovereignty of all States.

39. In this regard we decided to explore, in the context of the realization of a sovereign Palestinian State, a regional security architecture that could provide security guarantees for all, building on the experience of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), paving the way for a more stable and secure Middle East, as well as a regional and international framework offering appropriate support to resolving the refugee question, while reiterating the right of return.

40. We are determined to ensure that the decisions made at this Conference constitute a turning point where the international community as a whole is mobilized, at the political, economic, financial and security levels, to set in motion a long overdue bright future for the benefit of all States and all peoples.

41. We have decided to entrust the co-Chairs of both the conference and the working groups, including in the context of the Global Alliance for the implementation of the two-State solution, to serve as an international mechanism for the follow-up of the objectives of this Conference and the commitments made therein. We agreed to mobilize the international community at leaders’ level around these commitments on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in September 2025.

42. This Declaration and its annex reflect the outcome of the eight working groups convened as part of the Conference, outlining a comprehensive and actionable framework for the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the implementation of the two-State solution. These outcomes reflect proposals across the political, security, humanitarian, economic, legal, and strategic narrative dimensions, and constitute a concrete time-bound action plan to guide international engagement and implementation, operational coordination, and follow-up efforts towards the implementation of the Two-State solution and full regional integration.

[Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish versions are available here]