Applause echoed through the United Nations General Assembly this month following the adoption of the New York Declaration on Reviving a Two-State Solution between Israel and Palestine.
The initiative, spearheaded by France and Saudi Arabia, was endorsed by 142 countries, offering a rare glimmer of hope amid one of the most devastating crises of our time, write European Socialist leaders in The Guardian: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, former Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson, Dutch political leader Frans Timmermans, Italian Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein, and former Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven, now president of the Party of European Socialists and Democrats.
However, UN Commission findings have highlighted warnings from human rights organizations and genocide experts, asserting that Israel is committing acts of genocide in Gaza.
As the ground invasion in Gaza City intensifies, the international community has a legal and moral obligation to act, including the urgent imposition of sanctions on the government of Benjamin Netanyahu to halt war crimes.
This year’s UN General Assembly is particularly significant, not only for addressing the atrocities in Gaza but also for advancing the long-delayed recognition of a Palestinian state. For the European Union, whose global credibility is under scrutiny due to its response to the Gaza conflict, the gathering of world leaders serves as a critical litmus test.
Despite formal EU support for a sustainable two-state solution, the situation on the ground requires decisive and principled action. Israel’s continued expansion of settlements in the West Bank, violations of international law, and undermining of the Palestinian Authority through withholding tax revenues compromise the possibility of Palestinian self-determination.
Several EU countries, including Sweden and Spain, have already recognized Palestine. Following France’s announcement in July, countries such as the UK, Malta, Belgium, Portugal, Luxembourg, Canada, and Australia have either recognized Palestine or expressed intentions to do so. Additional European recognitions would strengthen momentum, sending a unified message of EU commitment to a two-state solution.
Beyond recognition, concrete measures to strengthen Palestine are necessary. The EU signed a provisional association agreement with the Palestinian Authority in 1997, but escalating settler violence and Israel’s E1 settlement plans—which would effectively split the West Bank from East Jerusalem—call for more robust engagement.
Upgrading EU-Palestine relations to a full association agreement, including enhanced financial aid, expanded trade relations, and structured political dialogue, is essential to empower the Palestinian Authority in state-building and demonstrate EU commitment to a two-state solution.
Contrary to Netanyahu’s claims, a two-state solution aligns with Israel’s security interests. Lasting peace and security for Israel require sovereignty, safety, and dignity for both Israelis and Palestinians. Palestinians, like Israelis, deserve freedom, security, and respect.
