At the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine continued with urgent calls for justice, accountability, and the implementation of the two-State solution. Co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, the conference brought together ministers and diplomats from around the world to address what many described as “a brazen and wanton act of genocide” in Gaza.

Speakers condemned Israel’s recent moves to extend sovereignty over the occupied West Bank and Jordan Valley, warning that such actions threaten to permanently derail the two-State solution. South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Ozzy Lamola declared that peace in the Middle East is impossible without justice for Palestine.

Bangladesh’s representative emphasized that over 58,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza, calling the crisis one of the gravest genocides of our time. Other nations, including Comoros and San Marino, reaffirmed their commitment to recognizing Palestinian statehood, with San Marino pledging formal recognition by the end of 2025.

China highlighted its role in facilitating reconciliation among Palestinian factions, while the United Kingdom announced conditional recognition of Palestine, demanding Israel end its military campaign and commit to peace.

Bolivia, Venezuela, Türkiye, and Iceland joined the chorus demanding accountability for violations of international law and humanitarian norms. Iceland’s Foreign Minister rejected the notion that recognizing Palestine rewards terrorism, stating it affirms the Palestinian people’s inherent right to statehood.

The conference underscored a global consensus: the time for symbolic gestures is over. Concrete steps must be taken to end the suffering and establish a sovereign Palestinian State.