Several Arab nations, notably Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, are urging Hamas to disarm and embrace a two-state resolution amid the ongoing conflict with Israel.
During a conference jointly led by France and Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, the entire Arab League, along with the European Union and 17 other countries, endorsed a document dubbed the “New York Declaration.” This declaration advocates for the unification of Gaza and the West Bank under Palestinian authorities and calls for the “end of armed groups’ control” — likely aimed at Hamas and similar groups.
The document emphasizes that if Israel does not agree to a ceasefire, Britain insists that Hamas must “disarm.” It suggests that Hamas should relinquish control of Gaza and turn over its weapons to Palestinian authorities. The declaration also requests a commitment from Israel to pursue a two-state solution, recognizing a sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently dismissed such proposals, citing security concerns.
The declaration states that “political solutions alone” are essential for achieving peace and security, hoping for a viable Palestinian state to exist alongside Israel in a context of peace.
In addressing the Gaza conflict, the declaration insists that it must “end now” and demands the release of all hostages. Additionally, it seeks the return of bodies, the exchange of Palestinian prisoners, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. It expresses support for mediation by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S.—all of which have been involved with both parties to establish a lasting peace agreement.
Following a potential ceasefire, a transitional committee is proposed to operate in Gaza under the Palestinian authority’s oversight. The declaration also denounces both the massacre that occurred on October 7 and Israeli military actions in Gaza, condemning Hamas for attacking civilians while also criticizing Israel for its strikes on Gaza and the resultant humanitarian crisis.
In response to the declaration, Israel has affirmed its commitment to eliminating Hamas, stating that no amount of diplomatic recognition can alter its focus on defeating terrorism. An Israeli representative emphasized the importance of bringing hostages home and continuing the fight against Hamas.
Meanwhile, the U.S. characterized the meeting as “unproductive and untimely,” expressing that it was a mere propaganda effort amid delicate diplomatic attempts to resolve the conflict. They insisted that such actions would only exacerbate the violence and undermine genuine peace efforts.
