Two-state solution only path to end Gaza conflict, say Arab leaders

RIYADH: A two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is the only viable path to end the war in Gaza, say leaders of the Arab World.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum’s Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said there must be real commitment to recognising a future independent Palestinian state.

“In order for us to be able to talk about a sustainable pathway to stability and security, including for Israel, we have to talk about a Palestinian situation where they have hope,” said Prince Faisal.

“The only way that hope is legitimate is through self-determination through a credible pathway to a Palestinian state.”

The people of Gaza, along with the rest of Palestine, have been traumatised and seen tremendous suffering over the past six months, the minister added.

He stressed that it would take 30 years to rebuild Gaza after the war, with a United Nations report suggesting it would take 15 years just to clear the rubble.

On the same panel, Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ayman Al Safadi called on the international community to push for a final settlement to ensure future peace in the region.

Despite announcements in support of the two-state solution, he said real action was still lacking, adding that countries could not return to their modus operandi of "paying lip service" before Hamas' strike against Israel on October 7th.

Ayman said there needed to be a clear agreement on what the international community would do if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continued to block the realisation of a two-state solution.

"You will find all of us in the region ready to do the heavy lifting,” he said “What will we do if he continues to take us to regional war? Will he face consequences?”

He also claimed that Israel was fighting a losing battle and making its country look like a “pariah” in the eyes of the international community.

The conflict, which has raised regional tensions, has killed some 1,170 Israelis and at least 34,454 people in Gaza.

A senior Hamas delegation has travelled to Egypt today for the latest round of negotiations on a temporary ceasefire brokered by Qatar and the United States.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukhry said Cairo hoped for a positive outcome and that the current proposal took into account the positions of both Hamas and Israel.

“There are factors that will impact both sides. We hope all will rise to the occasion.”