NEW YORK: As the world watches in horror at the unfolding tragedy in Gaza, international efforts to revive the long-stalled two-state solution for Palestine and Israel are intensifying.
From July 28-30, a high-profile conference co-chaired by France and Ƶ will take place in New York City, aiming to chart a path toward peace and the realization of a sovereign Palestinian state. Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke to Arab News about Pakistan’s unwavering support for the initiative and the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The upcoming conference seeks to reinvigorate the stalled peace process by focusing on concrete steps toward establishing two independent states, Israel and Palestine.
Delegates from key nations and international bodies will converge in New York City at the UN headquarters to discuss ceasefire arrangements, humanitarian access, reconstruction efforts and political recognition of Palestine.
Dar highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding position on the Palestinian issue.
“You see, this issue has become already too late in handling,” he said. “The attempt by France and Kingdom of Ƶ is very appreciable. These two countries have taken this initiative. Pakistan has a clear foreign policy for decades, that the two-state solution is the only answer to the Palestine problem.”
Dar laid out Pakistan’s hopes for the summit: “I hope that serious efforts are made during this event; first, to secure an immediate ceasefire; and second, to ensure the unhindered flow of food, humanitarian aid and medical assistance — alongside progress toward the recognition of Palestine as an independent state.”
The event comes amid escalating violence and mounting international concern over Gaza, with many legal experts and humanitarian organizations increasingly describing the situation in the enclave as a a genocide.
The humanitarian situation there continues to worsen. Gaza has for almost two years now suffered relentless airstrikes and ground incursions, resulting in thousands of civilian casualties, widespread destruction of infrastructure and critical shortages of food, water and medical supplies, with international organizations now warning of a looming full-scale famine.
Acknowledging the devastating conditions in Gaza, Dar described the conference’s potential success: “If we are able to achieve all these objectives, it will be a great success and a highly commendable contribution by the Kingdom of Ƶ and France.”
