In a landmark move aimed at reviving the long-stalled two-state solution, 17 nations — including key Arab states such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt — along with the European Union and the Arab League, have jointly called on Hamas to disarm and end its rule in Gaza.
The announcement was made through a unified declaration released during a United Nations conference held in New York, focused on resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The seven-page statement stated: "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."
The declaration also condemned the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023 — a significant stance, as the UN General Assembly has so far not taken a similar step.
The Palestinian delegation at the conference had already urged both Israel and Hamas to withdraw from Gaza, allowing the Palestinian Authority to take over administration of the territory.
France, which co-hosted the summit with Saudi Arabia, called the agreement a major diplomatic breakthrough. "For the first time, Arab countries and those in the Middle East condemn Hamas, condemn October 7, call for the disarmament of Hamas, call for its exclusion from Palestinian governance, and clearly express their intention to normalize relations with Israel in the future," said French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.
The document was also backed by Britain, Canada, and several other Western countries. It proposed the deployment of international forces to stabilise Gaza once hostilities end.
Neither Israel nor the United States participated in the two-day conference.
During the summit, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced that the UK could recognise a Palestinian state as early as September — a decision contingent on Israel taking steps like implementing a ceasefire and allowing sufficient humanitarian aid into Gaza.
French President Emmanuel Macron is also expected to declare France’s recognition of Palestinian statehood at the upcoming UN General Assembly session.
Despite decades of global support for a two-state solution, the feasibility of such a resolution has been under increasing threat due to prolonged conflict, Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank, and recent statements from Israeli leaders suggesting intentions to annex occupied territories.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres reflected on the grim state of affairs during Monday’s session, stating that "the two-state solution is farther than ever before."
A joint statement issued by 15 Western countries — including France and Spain — reaffirmed "unwavering support to the vision of the two-state solution." Of the signatories, nine countries that have not yet recognised Palestine said they were open to doing so. These include Andorra, Australia, Canada, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Portugal, and San Marino.