INTERNATIONAL
Two-state solution only path to Gaza conflict resolution: EU
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addresses delegates during a high-level meeting of heads of state on a two-state solution between Israel and Palestinians at UN headquarters, New York City, US, September 22, 2025. - REUTERS
UNITED NATIONS: The European Union (EU) has firmly endorsed the two-state solution as the only viable path to resolving the Gaza conflict, as top EU leaders voiced support during a UN-led peace conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.
AI Brief
The UN resumed the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution on Monday. The Conference reaffirmed international commitments to the two-state solution and sought to mobilize support for its implementation.
President of the European Council Antonio Costa delivered a strong message of urgency and clarity. He said that Gaza was facing a humanitarian catastrophe, with families torn apart and famine being used as a weapon of war, adding that the disaster must come to an end.
"The European Union once again calls for an immediate ceasefire, unfettered humanitarian access and an end to insecurity. We want the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. We condemn the military offensive underway in Gaza. We also firmly condemn the violent escalation in the West Bank. We call on Israel to put an end to therefore mentioned operations, to stop the illegal settlements. Today, thanks to the impetus provided by this conference, the State of Palestine has been recognized by the majority of EU member states," said Costa.
He stressed that the two-state solution is the only way forward.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen followed with a reaffirmation of the EU's long-standing position.
"When the night is darkest, we must hold fast to our compass and our compass is the two-state solution. October 7 has opened one of the darkest chapters in history. We all agree that the tragedy in Gaza must stop right now and all hostages released. But ending the war might not be enough if there is no pathway to peace, if the prospect of two-state is no longer viable," she said.
AI Brief
- UN conference renewed global backing for the two-state solution and called for its concrete implementation.
- EU leaders condemned violence in Gaza and the West Bank, demanding a ceasefire, humanitarian access, and hostage release.
- Leaders stressed peace is impossible without a viable two-state path, warning that ending war alone wont ensure lasting stability.
The UN resumed the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution on Monday. The Conference reaffirmed international commitments to the two-state solution and sought to mobilize support for its implementation.
President of the European Council Antonio Costa delivered a strong message of urgency and clarity. He said that Gaza was facing a humanitarian catastrophe, with families torn apart and famine being used as a weapon of war, adding that the disaster must come to an end.
"The European Union once again calls for an immediate ceasefire, unfettered humanitarian access and an end to insecurity. We want the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. We condemn the military offensive underway in Gaza. We also firmly condemn the violent escalation in the West Bank. We call on Israel to put an end to therefore mentioned operations, to stop the illegal settlements. Today, thanks to the impetus provided by this conference, the State of Palestine has been recognized by the majority of EU member states," said Costa.
He stressed that the two-state solution is the only way forward.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen followed with a reaffirmation of the EU's long-standing position.
"When the night is darkest, we must hold fast to our compass and our compass is the two-state solution. October 7 has opened one of the darkest chapters in history. We all agree that the tragedy in Gaza must stop right now and all hostages released. But ending the war might not be enough if there is no pathway to peace, if the prospect of two-state is no longer viable," she said.