Palestinian statehood initiative/ global Palestinian support/ Palestinian independence effort/ Newslooks/ NEW YORK/ UNITED NATIONS/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ European, Arab, and Islamic nations have launched a new initiative to bolster support for a future Palestinian state. This effort, co-chaired by Norway and Saudi Arabia, aims to strengthen Palestinian institutions and work towards a two-state solution amid escalating conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. The initiative has the backing of nearly 90 countries.
Palestinian State Initiative: Quick Looks
- New Global Alliance: European, Arab, and Islamic nations launched an initiative for an independent Palestinian state.
- International Support: The initiative, led by Norway and Saudi Arabia, is backed by 90 countries.
- Institutional Strengthening: The goal is to prepare Palestinian institutions for self-governance after the Gaza conflict.
- Two-State Focus: The alliance builds on the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative and seeks to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict.
- Recognition Growth: 149 countries have already recognized the Palestinian state; the new push calls for universal recognition.
European, Arab, & Muslim Nations Push for Palestinian State Initiative
Deep Look:
In a significant diplomatic move, European, Arab, and Islamic nations have launched a new global initiative aimed at advancing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. This initiative, spearheaded by Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide and Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, comes amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon and seeks to resolve long-standing issues related to Palestinian statehood.
The initiative, called “The Global Alliance for the Implementation of a Palestinian State and a Two-State Solution,” was announced during a meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Eide emphasized the growing consensus among international powers that a Palestinian state must be established, recognized, and supported. He pointed out that addressing both Israel’s security concerns and Palestinian aspirations for statehood are crucial, along with demobilizing groups like Hamas.
At the heart of this initiative is a renewed push to strengthen the Palestinian Authority, which was established through the 1993 Oslo Accords. The accords, originally seen as a breakthrough in resolving the conflict between Arabs and Israelis, led to the creation of Palestinian self-rule in the West Bank and Gaza. However, more than 30 years later, the hope for a final settlement and lasting peace has yet to be realized. Eide highlighted the need for global unity to ensure the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, especially in the wake of Norway’s recent decision to recognize the state of Palestine.
The push for Palestinian statehood has garnered support from a wide range of nations. As of now, 149 of the 193 United Nations member states have recognized Palestine. Eide called for further international recognition and the strengthening of Palestinian institutions to prepare for eventual full governance. He stressed that the goal is to unify the West Bank and Gaza under one Palestinian government, stating, “We want one Palestine, not different Palestines.”
During a session at the U.N. Security Council on Gaza, Saudi Arabia’s Prince Faisal reinforced the importance of the initiative, saying that the newly formed coalition, including Islamic and Arab states, feels a deep responsibility to act quickly. The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, also threw his support behind the effort, calling for practical steps toward the realization of a free Palestine living alongside a secure Israel. Borrell confirmed that the first formal meetings of the alliance would take place in Riyadh and Brussels in the coming months.
Building on the foundation of the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which was endorsed by the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), this latest effort aims to update the peace plan to reflect the current geopolitical landscape. The 2002 initiative offered Israel normalized relations with Arab nations in exchange for a full withdrawal from territories it captured during the 1967 Six-Day War. Now, with regional dynamics constantly shifting, Eide sees the new initiative as a critical step forward, particularly in the wake of continued settlement expansion and increasing tensions.
The Global Alliance also looks to rebuild and support Palestinian state institutions, which have been stifled by both internal and external challenges. Eide acknowledged the difficulties faced by the Palestinian Authority, pointing to the rise of illegal settlements and settler violence in the West Bank. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic about the possibility of strengthening the “embryonic institutions” that already exist, paving the way for a fully functional Palestinian state.
Eide chaired a meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) for the building of Palestinian institutions on Thursday. The committee, which includes representatives from the U.S., Canada, the European Union, and various Middle Eastern nations, has been working for years to help build the governance infrastructure necessary for a future Palestinian state. While acknowledging that no single solution will solve the conflict, Eide emphasized that this collective effort aims to provide the necessary tools for long-term peace.
The broader international community is closely watching the progress of this initiative. Supporters hope that the recent crises in Gaza and Lebanon can serve as a turning point to advance peace efforts in the region. With nearly 90 nations behind this new coalition, there is renewed optimism that a two-state solution might finally be within reach.
As efforts ramp up, one of the immediate challenges will be navigating the complex political landscape, particularly in Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has historically resisted efforts to recognize Palestinian statehood, making it unlikely that Israel will immediately embrace the initiative. Nevertheless, Eide believes that after decades of failed negotiations, now is the time to explore new approaches.
