The battle lines between moderate and extremist visions for the future of Gaza and the West Bank have become clearer, with advocates of a two-state solution realising the time to act is now. Speaking at a conference in New York, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot warned that the two-state solution was 'in mortal danger' and that 'on both sides the proponents of rejection seem to be winning'.
The urgency follows a series of statements from Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who said the re-establishment of Israeli settlements in Gaza was no longer 'wishful thinking, but part of what had become a realistic work plan'. He also declared that Israel was 'making a revolution' in the West Bank by implementing de facto sovereignty. Reports suggest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may give Hamas a few days to agree to a ceasefire or face annexation of parts of Gaza.
Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged this week that the UK would recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September if Israel does not meet certain conditions. The policy shift reflects a recognition that Britain’s previous approach—holding back the 'recognition card' for maximum impact—was based on an outdated view of Israeli politics. Israel has moved further away from a two-state solution since the attacks of 7 October.
The New York conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, produced a seven-page declaration outlining a path to a two-state solution. It proposes a transitional administrative committee in Gaza under the Palestinian Authority (PA) after a ceasefire, a temporary international stabilisation mission mandated by the UN Security Council, and unification of Gaza with the West Bank. PA President Mahmoud Abbas, in a letter delivered by French President Emmanuel Macron, committed to holding presidential elections within a year, including in East Jerusalem, aiming for generational renewal and his own resignation.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa reiterated that Hamas must stand aside and hand over its weapons to the PA with international engagement. The declaration merges previous Arab and European postwar plans, emphasising that Gaza is an integral part of a future Palestinian state. The choice, advocates argue, is between coexistence and forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians—a vision promoted by Netanyahu and his far-right allies.
