Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Monday reaffirmed the Kingdom’s firm support for the two-state solution, calling it the cornerstone of lasting peace and regional stability.
His remarks came during the opening session of a high-level international conference on the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian issue, co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France at the United Nations.
“The Kingdom believes that the two-state solution is the key to stability in the region,” Prince Faisal said. He described the New York conference as a “critical turning point” toward implementing that goal.
He welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent pledge to recognize a Palestinian state and stressed that granting Palestinians their legitimate rights is essential to achieving peace. He also called for an immediate end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, announcing that Saudi Arabia and France had facilitated a $300 million transfer through the World Bank to support Palestinians.
Prince Faisal underscored the continued relevance of the Arab Peace Initiative and urged support for the International Coalition for the Two-State Solution.
France calls for political momentum
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the urgency of resolving the conflict. “This war has gone on far too long and must end,” he said, denouncing attacks on civilians in Gaza.
Barrot urged the global community to turn the two-state solution into a “tangible reality,” saying the conference had created unstoppable political momentum.
UN backs peace push
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres praised Saudi Arabia and France for convening the conference, calling it a “unique opportunity” to build on existing momentum. He reaffirmed the UN’s support for the two-state solution and warned that actions like illegal annexations in the West Bank threaten long-term peace prospects.
Palestinian leadership urges unity
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa hailed the conference as a “historic opportunity” and thanked Saudi Arabia and France for their leadership. He said the event sent a clear signal that the world stands with the Palestinian people.
Mustafa called for unity among Palestinian factions and urged Hamas to hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority. He proposed the deployment of international forces — in coordination with the PA — to protect civilians in Gaza.
“We are ready to fulfill all our responsibilities. Peace is the only way forward,” he said.
The conference seeks to revive global consensus around the two-state framework and pave the way for a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
US rejects two-state conference
US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce has rejected the two-state conference called to address the Palestine issue, calling it ineffective and ill-timed. She stated that the United States will not participate in the event.
In an official statement, Bruce said the conference appears to be more of a publicity stunt than a constructive diplomatic effort. "This is the wrong time for such a gathering. Serious diplomatic efforts to resolve the Palestine conflict are already underway, and this conference could hinder that progress," she said.
Bruce warned that rather than promoting peace, the conference could prolong the conflict and embolden groups like Hamas. She also expressed concern over French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent recognition of a Palestinian state, which Hamas welcomed. “That’s a troubling development,” she noted.
The spokesperson reaffirmed that the United States believes meaningful diplomacy, not symbolic gestures, is the path to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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