High-Level Ministerial Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution

In order to, uh, I welcome you all in the meeting. Uh, allow me first to start with opening remarks. Peace be upon you, ladies and gentlemen, your excellencies. We convene today after a year, uh, after launching the Common Coalition for, um, international coalition to embody the two to affirm the two-state solution and after days from the UN with the New York declaration for the establishment of this of a sovereign state of Palestine the New York declaration is a clear mission to all of us to embody this coalition to commitment and take into account all the measures we can not have declarations unless it becomes factual work that would be realized on the field. Also, after the convention, which enhances the international support for the international world, for the right of the Palestinian to decide their own to have sovereignty. It also reached a conflict. We're talking about a conflict that has been affecting the sovereignty of an Arabic country. And the last of it was the targeting of the state of Qatar, which affected the international and local security. We also like to declare that this is all Palestinian land that cannot be divided, and we also announce our rejection of the expansion of the settlement or forced displacement or unilateral decision, we also affirm the importance of allowing the Palestinian Authority in Gaza and the West Bank, and we're also putting international measures to monitor in clear time-bound schedules. We also like to support the President Mahmoud Abbas, and we also like to laud the effort despite the tough conditions. And we also support anything that would allow the authority, including the terrorists, and we also, we would like to support the budget of the Palestinian Authority, and we affirm that this support does not. does not exempt Israel from returning all the money owed to Palestine instantly. Ladies and gentlemen, your excellencies, our meeting today aims to coordinate efforts and putting measures in order to move forward the cause and continuing the work in capitals around the world. And Kingdom will continue the work, the diplomatic and humanitarian work. in order to help the return to the Palestinian borders based on the borders of 1967 and to have security and prosperity for the whole nations of the area. And peace be upon you. And now I would like to invite the representative of the European Union to give her opening remarks.

Thank you.

And it's an honor to be in this meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. So it is very clear that we have to keep the two-state solution alive, and we have to discuss what we can do to really support that and implement that in practice. We are celebrating the first anniversary of this two-state solution, the Global Alliance for the state solution and it is happening in a very challenging global environment. More than ever, we need to continue and strengthen our collective endeavor to preserve and implement the two state solution, along with the UN High Level Conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia. The Global Alliance is instrumental for allowing debates and being open to all UN members, while also aiming to produce concrete and follow up operational measures. I commend all the efforts of all members and host countries, from Riyadh to Oslo, from Cairo to Rabat. We should also take stock of these achievements. And it is clear that the situation on the ground in Gaza is catastrophic and unbearable, and it's reaching unprecedented levels of suffering and death for the Palestinian people, both in Gaza but also in West Bank. And it's clear that we need to act now. Regrettably, our calls and efforts to ceasefire have remained unheeded, although I saw some optimism yesterday after the meeting of Arab leaders with President Trump, so let's hope that there are concrete results from that. A ceasefire is the only way for unconditional release of all hostages and, eventually, a permanent end to hostilities and end of human suffering. If a military solution was there for Gaza, the war would always already be over. European Union has been active on all fronts, engaging with every actor to try to influence the facts on the ground. We have been committed to enhance humanitarian access through dialogue with the Israeli government. This has allowed an increase in the number of trucks and fuel reaching Gaza after months of blockade. New crossing points and routes have been opened for the UN and NGOs, but it's clear it's not enough because we see the suffering still happening. Much more needs to be done to reach the population. Hundreds of thousands of people are driven on the run by the Gaza City offensive, and famine has been confirmed in Gaza. Only large-scale humanitarian assistance will change this dire situation. As the largest humanitarian donor, we have worked relentlessly to make this happen. Global Alliance had had a very productive year. These efforts must also continue in the upcoming months. The New York Declaration gives us clear mandate to do so, and I encourage all of the 17 co-chairs of working groups to continue to act as champions in the Global Alliance. In this regard, EU would also be glad to host a follow-up meeting in Brussels in the coming months. And keeping the two-state solution alive also means that we have to keep the Palestinian Authority alive. And that's why we have been pushing also the Israeli government to release the revenues that belong to the Palestinian Authority, not very successfully, unfortunately. But we have also been supporting the Palestinian Authority with budgetary and political support. The European Union has pledged 1.6 billion euros to support the Authority over the next three years, and we are by far the largest donor. We are also active in promoting reform. We have also decided to launch a Palestine donor group that will be focused on enlarging contributions and long-term support to reforms, and I encourage all of you to participate. Bankruptcy and collapse is not an option if you want to preserve any chance of the two-state solution. And we also stand with UNRWA, as the main contributors to its budget. At this meeting, we hope to propose and structure a way forward for the follow-up work during the upcoming 12 months with the aim to reach action agenda of the Global Alliance and to immediately implement measures. And finally, it is my belief that by applying both pressure and dialogue, we can achieve substantial results. All of us who maintain working relations with Israel must do their utmost to persuade the Israeli government that this war does not serve their interests. Thank you.

Thank you.

And now I would like to invite the Minister of Norway to give his opening remarks.

Jens Stoltenberg: Thank you, Karrie Kallas, High Representative and Executive Vice President of the European Commission, and excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. It's really heartening to see all of you here. The Alliance is only a year old, but it has achieved a lot, in my view, in preparing for what can be and should be the long-term solution to conflict that is not two years old, but many decades old. I think we all understand, and thanks to Kaya for mentioning it, the situation in Gaza is horrible. It's beyond words. And the situation we're experiencing on a daily basis also in the West Bank has gone from bad to terrible. And it's an extremely dire situation on the ground, which we have not solved. Let's just remember that. but the agreement that we need to identify all the pieces of the big puzzle that would lead to a real establishment of a Palestinian state that can be a state in practice, not only in theory, that can eventually be in charge both of the West Bank, Gaza, and the relevant parts of Jerusalem, and where Israelis and Palestinians can actually live in peace with each other, with their security concerns, their economic concerns, their cultural concerns respected. That is so important. And, uh, uh, this week has been quite, uh, uh, uh, amazing, actually, that we have now seen all these, uh, new, uh, recognitions of the state of Palestine. I congratulate the representative of Palestine on, uh, we're approaching 160 recognitions, uh, now, and that has been a major achievement. Um, when we, uh, together with Spain and Ireland and Slovenia recognized last year, uh, for us, um, uh, building on our experience from Oslo and of course, for Spain with the experience from Madrid in the' 90s, uh, we realized that… what we always wanted to end up recognizing a state of Palestine, but we thought that would happen at the end of a process where the two parties would negotiate freely on the four sets of outstanding issues from Oslo, and only late we realized that no such progress was actually taking place. There is many years since there were anything resembling negotiations, and we had to break out of that paradigm and establish a new one, and I'm very happy to see that many of those who have recognized in the last days and the last months have built on the same insight that we needed to move forward despite the lack of formal negotiations. But the goal is the same as it always was, but now the tactics have changed. But I want to say here at the outset that recognition, universal recognition, is just one of the many recommendations that the Global Alliance came out with in the New York Declaration when we met in in July. The idea is that we will identify all the parts that is missing, which is, of course, to work forward towards normalization between those Arab states that haven't done it yet with Israel once Palestine is in place, the practical, physical establishment of the Palestinian state and its capacity to govern, security guarantees to both Israelis and Palestinians when the state appears, a demobilization, uh, decommissioning of all weapons that do not belong to, uh, to the authorities, uh, the, uh, all these other elements, uh, of building an economy, uh, making sure that an economy worked and that, uh, cooperation with other countries will work, all these elements are spelled out in the New York Declaration. And it was endorsed not long ago by 142 member states of the United Nations in the General Assembly. So there is a plan, or there is elements of a plan now on how we can go forward. And I know that important conversations are taking place about how we can actually make this into practice. So my appeal to you is that we continue to build on this. And when we have our conversations and interventions here, I would encourage that we don't spend all our time on describing how bad the situation is, because I think nobody arrived at this room not being aware of that, but rather what are the practicalities, what are the concrete measures that should be taken from now on to do what the Alliance is all about, which is to implement the two-state solution for real, not only in theory, but also for real. So in that spirit, I encourage that we have our interventions in this panel. Back to you.

Thank you, Espen, and thank you for that very practical advice, as always. I wholeheartedly endorse it. I now invite all of us to hear a statement by His Excellency the Prime Minister of Palestine, which will be broadcast via video recording.

Excellencies, esteemed delegates, ladies and gentlemen. I want to thank the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its outstanding leadership, both as a co-chair of the high-level international conference together with France, and as a driving force for this Global Alliance. I want to also thank the EU and Norway as co-chairs of the Global Alliance. Both have also been great supporters of Palestine. And I want to thank all of you for your solidarity across decades. and throughout the last two horrific years of war against our people. Excellencies, the New York Declaration charted an urgent and irreversible pathway to an independent and sovereign Palestinian state, living side by side in peace and security with Israel. I think we all agree that the measures outlined in the declaration need to be translated into policies and actions by all the states assembled here. We must act more rapidly. more decisively, and more collectively for these actions to lead to the fundamental shift needed. Palestine is committed to peace. We are the ones who need it most. But peace cannot be achieved by one side alone. It needs to be a shared objective to become a shared reality. We're also committed to reform, because reform will help us achieve what is best for our people. Our people are entitled to respect of their freedom, to democracy, to good governance, to sustainable development, to transparency, and to social justice. We are working with all our partners, including the EU and the World Bank, to advance these reforms. We need your support. We welcome the historic decision made in recent days by a growing number of countries to recognize the state of Palestine. Beyond recognition, we look to your political and financial support to save lives and to advance our legitimate rights in independence and freedom. This Israeli government fully rejects Palestinian statehood and consider that the best way to end such a prospect is to undermine and maybe even seek the collapse of the Palestinian Authority. The cost of this collapse far exceeds the support needed to the preservation of the PA and with it the prospect of an independent statehood and peace. We therefore hope that this meeting of the Global Alliance will prioritize action in the following three areas. The first priority area is securing an immediate ceasefire, release of hostages and prisoners, unhindered humanitarian access, and full Israeli withdrawal. The second priority area is empowering the PA and enable it to assume its duties in both Gaza and the West Bank on the path to an independent and sovereign Palestinian state to 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. This requires emergency financial assistance to the PA at scale now. It also requires supporting arrangements for the day after that will enable us to reunify the West Bank and Gaza Strip under the Palestinian Authority. One state, one government, one law, and one gun. The third priority area is international mobilization to implement the two-state solution. In addition to recognition of the state of Palestine, it is critical to prepare for the deployment of an international stabilization mission as foreseen by the New York Declaration, and this should be done in support of the PA security forces and not as a substitute for the PA. Excellencies, allow my final thought to be for Palestinian children, those we failed to save. those we can still rescue from famine and death. We have a common duty to save them from this hell and give them the future they deserve. A future where their dreams will finally prevail over a never-ending nightmare. A future of life, liberty, and dignity. A future where Palestinian children and the children of all countries in the region can grow in a reality of peace and security. Thank you all.

We shall listen to those who are supporting the solution of the two-state solution.

And I now give the floor to the.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Jordan.

You have the floor, sir.

Support the two-state solution. That's the only way to guarantee freedom and dignity to the Palestinian people on its land, is to guarantee their freedom and the security of the state of Israel as well. However, we are against the-- We are against the conduct of Israel. And the speech you've heard reflects our position. We are all-- we do agree that the two-state solution is the only way to get out of the situation. But we know that Israel is an extremist government, and it refuses this. solution and the head of the government refused the solution today in a statement he made in the media so Netanyahu wants a wider war and we want to protect the region and we want peace for all the the countries of the country so what should we do what should the uh International Community do we should all support the the two-state solution and oppose ourselves to the position of Netanyahu. It's high time that we move to action and not content ourselves with words. We should take measures to dissuade the prime minister Of Israel, from his position, so we should take. a few measures to sanction Israel and to protect ourselves from its position of expanding the war. So the opportunities are getting reduced today because Israel has decided to sabotage the two-state solution. I feel that we should start to think what are the practical measures we can take as an international community to protect the two-state solution. I think it's high time we do that in the face of the arrogance of Israel. And I think now there is momentum for us to take measures against Israel. I give the floor to Egypt.

The.

Now we go through an important moment for what Israel commits with illegitimate practices and systemized genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza constitutes a challenge to all humanitarian principles and it put Egypt rejects all the attempts of displacement that is being done against the Palestinian people, and it condemns it as a violation of international law. And we stress that these practices will not go unquestioned. As when it comes down to the pessimism in our area this day, the day of the declaration of the state of Palestine. It remains as a circled day in the history of humanity, and I wish for you to interpret that to factual measures taken in order to establish the Palestinian state. We also continue to affirm our support to our brothers and sisters in Palestine, and we will continue to coordinate our efforts with Qatar and United States in order to reach a ceasefire and to aid the Palestinian people and to let in the humanitarian aid without restriction. And we also talk about reconstruction and the the Islamic plan in order to reconstruct Gaza, to assure that the Palestinians can remain on their land. And Egypt supports the Palestinian Authority and will continue to offer all its support, and we reiterate that there will be no stability in the area without a permanent solution unless there is a permanent solution for the establishment of the state of Palestine. And now we're going to give the mic to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Luxembourg.

Thank you so much for having the floor. So I belong to the country who this week did recognition. And I think this was the right decision to take. It's not the most popular one, also in my public opinion. But I think as politicians, sometimes you have also to take decisions where you think that you want to be on the right side of the history. If I just trust the Hamas for the release of the hostages and Israel for ceasefire to do the recognition, it will never happen. For me, what would be important, I would like to say thank you also to the Indonesian president who took the floor yesterday, who said that we want also a situation where Israel can be in peace. And I don't want to be the party crusher, now with the statement I will do, but I think it will be very important in the next days, also for our Arabic friends and for our Muslim country friends, that they prepare also a roadmap for relations with Israel. So that they are able to say, slide by slide, it's not everything now, but to say that if there is a ceasefire, there could be normalization. If there is two state solution, there can be recognition. There could be et cetera, et cetera. I know with the situation now how difficult it is for your public opinion to understand a position like that. But there will be meeting in the next days also between President Trump and with Bibi, and if they have the faculty to be able to say because public opinion is very important now especially in Israel if they are not able to have the storytelling that everything we do here is against Israel but it's for peace and security for both a two-state solution with peace in Gaza In Palestine, with a state which will be the security of Israel, I think the storytelling to say that everything that we do on international level is against Israel will be less strong. So sorry to be the one who is asking maybe mission impossible for some of you, but this would be something I think which will be very important. And also in the way to have a two-state solution.

Okay.

Thank you, Xavier.

And I agree. And part of what you talk about is obviously the New York Declaration, which does have some of those elements in there. It's a clear signal for those that choose to read it that there is a commitment from all of the Arabs and Muslims that signed it to Israel's security, to normalization and integration in return for a clear pathway to a Palestinian state.

Maybe we need to emphasize that message more, but I agree.

And those that are friends with Israel maybe can help them understand the messages that are already in there. And I now give the floor to the Netherlands.

Thank you very much, Your Excellency, and thank you for giving me the floor. Yes, I'm audible.

Thank you.

I just wanted to underline that to keep sight of a durable and peaceful solution, joint action is indispensable or our words indeed risk to be a hollow echo of a future that's no longer possible. So the horrendous war in Gaza must end now and the worrying tide in the West Bank must be turned. And we think that apart from putting pressure on Israel, which we are doing at the moment, like was said, dialogue and pressure should turn the tide there, because a full course correction is needed. We should also indeed take steps to support the Palestinian Authority. And during the fifth and most recent meeting of the Global Alliance that the Netherlands and Morocco co-chaired in Rabat last May, different countries highlighted how their countries could contribute to this end goal of a two-state solution. And the structure of the Global Alliance is a very nice and informal structure that works to its credit, but it also has the need for better coordination. And I think the Palestinian donor group that was announced is a very good step, but it would also help to have better coordination on how all of us how we can indeed support the Palestinian Authority. And I know that the HL is LC is a very good medium for that as well. But we should broaden that and we should see how all our efforts combined can work towards this goal of the two state solution. Because in the end, indeed, as was said, we also need Israel for this two state solution. And many of the initiatives that countries like the Netherlands are focused on exceeding what you mean. Thank you so much.

Thank you very much.

And I think it's a good time to remind that there is a two-minute time limit, and the mics will cut off.

At that limit.

I now give the floor to the foreign minister of Spain.

Thank you very much.

And congratulations to my dear friends, Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister Espen Barther, and of course, the High Representative Kaja Kallas. We are having this meeting in a breaking point with intensified Israeli military operation. There is an unbearable humanitarian situation. very real risk of regional spillover and an intolerable toll of death, settler violence, the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank, and we must be very clear that we don't accept those illegal settlements and that we will never accept any attempt of illegal annexation. We just heard the our colleague from the National Palestinian Authority, there is a clear risk of financial collapse of the Palestinian Authority. That's why Spain is announcing that we will disperse immediately 50 million euros for the Palestinian Authority to try to cover up. And I really encourage everyone to look at their budgets and to see what they can do, because there is killings with bombings in with in Gaza, but there is also a trying to stop the Palestinian National Authority financially in the West Bank. The only path, and we know it all, including Israel, towards a just and comprehensive peace is the implementation of the two-state solution. And you are a consultation that Spain has always fostered. paves the way to move forward on the implementation of that two-state solution. The recognition of both Palestine, as we are seeing in this General Assembly with a new momentum, and of course also Israel, even mutual recognition, is an essential element to advance, and a peaceful, unified government in all of Palestine. And let's speak clearly. That means one single Thank you. Floor to Turkey.

Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, I thank all colleagues for their contributions to the Global Alliance. Since we launched this platform last year, it has proven its worth. we managed to keep Palestinian statehood on the international agenda. Turkey will remain an active and constructive partner in the alliance. Distinguished guests, in Gaza, Israel continues to commit genocide before the eyes of the international community. This is confirmed by the report of the UN Independent Commission of Inquiry. In the West Bank and Jerusalem, Illegal settlements, settler violence, and provocations at holy sites intensify the crisis. Israel's reckless threats and assaults across the Middle East, from Syria, Iran, Lebanon, to Qatar, are clear proof that the eyes and minds of its leadership are totally sealed with extreme fanaticism. Against this backdrop, recognition of Palestine by a growing number of countries marks a historic milestone. We must focus on two urgent priorities: immediate ceasefire with unhindered humanitarian access and irreversible steps towards implementing the two-state solution. Israel's attempts to dismantle the Palestinian Authority must be firmly rejected. We should also continue to provide full support to UNRWA. The international community must strengthen the state-building capacity of Palestine through sustained financial, administrative, diplomatic, and technical assistance. The New York Declaration provides a tangible roadmap. Palestine's full membership in the UN should be also a high priority. Exposing Israel's crimes against humanity on the international stage is a duty for all of us. I would like to conclude my remarks by saluting once again the countries that have recognized the state of Palestine and reaffirming our readiness to host a future session of the Global.

Thank you, and I now give the floor to the Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland.

Thank you. Ireland recognised the State of Palestine last year as an act of hope and to inject new momentum towards the two-state solution. We're supporting the Palestinian Authority and we'll sign a memorandum of cooperation with Palestine. More than 150 countries now recognise Palestine. Recognition is not merely symbolic, it is a call to action. Ireland has always condemned the horrific terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas on Israel on the 7th of October and the unconscionable taking of hostages. We call for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and humanitarian aid at scale into Gaza. Hamas can have no role in the future of Gaza. We recognise the right of Israelis to live in peace and security, but the actions of the current Israeli government are in clear violation of international law. A UN panel of inquiry has concluded genocide is happening in Gaza. The IPC has said there is famine in Gaza. I am extremely concerned about developments overnight involving the global flotilla, and the welfare and safety of those aboard must be a priority. Ireland is a firm believer in the power of the international community working together. 142 countries have endorsed the New York Declaration. We now have a strong, action-oriented outcome document. I am proud that Ireland was a co-chair, along with Turkey. The Global Alliance is uniquely placed to take forward implementation. I am delighted to announce that Ireland will host a meeting in Dublin in the coming months, where we will share lessons from our own peace process in Northern Ireland. The meeting will draw a clear link between the Global Alliance and the implementation of the New York Declaration. No two conflicts are the same, and the solutions we found in our island cannot be neatly applied elsewhere. But we know and deeply understand the common elements in all peacebuilding efforts. Peace is not easy. It involves hard compromises and sacrifices, but peace is always, always better than the alternative.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to His Excellency, the Foreign Minister of Brazil.

I thank Saudi Arabia, the European Union, and Norway for hosting this event. Excellencies, in 1948, the Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs chaired the session of the General Assembly that passed resolution 181 of the second General Assembly, laying the foundation for the two-state solution. 77 years later, we remain guided by the same conviction that every people has the right to determine its own destiny, free from external interference, colonization, or occupation. This fundamental right of self-determination is being threatened by genocide in Gaza and the illegal occupation of Palestinian territory. Excellencies, recently Brazil submitted its intervention to the ICJ case brought by South Africa under the Genocide Convention. We upheld that genocide must be understood as a composite crime revealed by systematic patterns of conduct that, taken together, demonstrate the intent to destroy a people in whole or in part. In this context, Brazil rejects the misuse of self-defense as a pretext for illegal actions. Self-defense has no application in an unlawful occupation. Excellencies, we must demand an end to the military operations in Gaza, to the occupations of the Palestinian territory, to racial and religious discrimination, and to genocide. We must also ensure that the hostages held by Hamas are safely returned. The Security Council has failed to take a firm decision in this regard, but its inaction cannot be an excuse for global passivity. It falls upon each member state to review its legal and institutional frameworks to give full effect to international law.

Thank you, Your Excellency.

I now give the floor to the Foreign.

Minister of Mauritania.

In the beginning, I would like to thank the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to Norway and the European Union for hosting this meeting for the international coalition after years of aiming towards a two-state solution. And also, I would like to reiterate The two-state solution is based on the decision of the United Nations eight years ago, and it is important. It is important to stop Israel what they've done over the past two years from genocide in Gaza. And I would also more than 158 countries have declared the state of Palestine is an important matter. but also the establishment of the state of Palestine on the grounds of reality still faces many challenges, which necessitates work and taking tangible measures in order to reach that goal. As the Prime Minister of Spain has mentioned, the declaration of the state of Palestine is only in the beginning and is not the ultimate goal. And I also would like to thank, again, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this initiative and for chairing these matters. And I thank everyone present, and peace be upon you.

Representative of Syria. Maybe just requesting to speak a little later. Thank you.

Thank you.

Next, Venezuela. Are you ready?

And next on my list is Chad. Okay. Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Excellencies, at the outset, I wish to express my sincere appreciations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Norway, European Union, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for the strong and principled leadership in advancing the realization of the two-state solution over the years. We particularly acknowledge their important efforts in establishing the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution one year ago. Bosnia and Herzegovina values their determination and vision translate to shared commitments into concrete and lasting measures. We as a country that has itself endured the horrors of war deeply understand and value the peace and the urgency of humanitarian action. We therefore firmly support the New York Declaration of July 2025, which clearly underlines the need to end the war in Gaza, to ensure respect for international law, to guarantee the unobstructed delivery of humanitarian assistance and the reconstruction of Gaza, and to lay the political, economic, and security foundations for the implementation of the two-state solution, the state of Palestine and the state of Israel, existing side by side in peace and security. It is our shared responsibility to turn words into deeds And underlined the co-chairs of the alliance earlier, waiting for the right moment is not an option. We must act now decisively and together. Only a two-state solution grounded in relevant United Nations resolutions and international law can bring lasting stability and rebuild trust. Bosnia-Herzegovina underscores its support for any arrangement where Palestinian statehood is a foundation of a durable regional architecture. Thank you.

I thank you very much for your intervention, Bosnia and Herzegovina. And next speaker, if you're ready, is Chad, to be followed by Bangladesh.

Chad, please.

Thank you very much. As all, I would like to first thank the African Union, Saudi Arabia, and the Kingdom of Norway, and the invitation that was extended.

To us to participate.

Our presence in this room is a testament to our support to the New York Declaration and the implementation of the two-state solution, my country, Chad, has recognized the state of Palestine in November '88 and has diplomatic relations with Israel since 2019. What is happening in the Gaza Strip is cannot leave anyone indifferent. And we condemn firmly all the slaughter that is perpetrated by Israel of the civilians in Gaza. And we condemn the attacks of October 7th and calls for the liberation of the hostages. But we firmly hold to our position of the two-state solution. My country holds firm to the right of people for self-determination. And we would like to have two countries living side by side. It is a support that is firm. And now, what's coming next is important. All the speeches are alike, but-- from Bangladesh.

Thank you. Thank you, Chair. Excellencies, In a way, the pathway to the two-state solution is first shrinking, because before we have a state, we need a people. The findings of the UN Independent Commission of Inquiry are stark. Palestinians are facing genocide. The urgency is undeniable. We need a ceasefire now. We need unhindered humanitarian access across the Gaza and we must reject the use of starvation as a weapon of war and act immediately to end famine. To uphold any ceasefire, Bangladesh supports the call for an international stabilization mission under UN auspices that will protect civilians, support security, and drive reconstruction. We stand ready to contribute, drawing on our long experience in UN peacekeeping and peacebuilding. At the same time, We must lay down benchmarks and timelines in political, financial, security, humanitarian, and economic areas aligned with the New York Declaration. We reiterate that the only viable solution is an independent, sovereign, economically viable state of Palestine on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side with Israel in peace and security. We commend recent recognitions of Palestine, including by members of the P5. As a proponent of culture of peace, we also support the proposal for a future peace day with a peace supporting package that delivers dividends in trade, infrastructure, and energy, and enables regional integration. This is how peace will endure for Palestinians, Israelis, and the region as a whole. I thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you very much, uh, to the representative of Bangladesh, Mr. Hossein, and then I ask if, uh, Minister, uh, Torgeir Katrin Gunnarsdottir of Iceland will be ready to speak, she looks ready.

Thank you, Chair. It is a privilege to join here today. From the outset, the alliance has had clear and principled objectives, grounded in our shared values and the firm belief that a two-state solution remains the only viable path to peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. These principles were established 30 years ago. at a time when sustainable peace seemed within reach. Sadly, that promise remains unfulfilled. Our shared commitment for collective action to ending the war in Gaza, upholding international law, and respecting the sanctity of life is vital. So to So too is our call for Hamas to relinquish control of Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority. Without unified international pressure, progress is sadly unlikely. I remain proud that Iceland recognized the State of Palestine in the year 2011 through an opposed parliamentary resolution. This was a clear statement in support of Palestinian self-determination and equal status for Israel and Palestine. We have seen renewed momentum here in New York, first in July and again earlier this week at the leaders' meeting on the two-state solution. Recognition by countries such as UK, France, Canada, Australia and Luxembourg makes a difference. The New York Declaration is an immense achievement and both France and Saudi Arabia should be applauded for the leadership role in this process. We are aware of the criticism surrounding these efforts. It is regrettable that Israel has not joined the collective push for the only sustainable solution, two peoples living side by side, each in a state of their own, in peace. And still, we must continue. This is not only a political imperative, it is a human one. A future where life is valued, peace is pursued, and coexistence is possible is the only acceptable outcome. We must not fail in this endeavor, and we cannot.

Thank you.

Thank you very much to Katrin Gunnarsdottir from Iceland. I remind everybody that we have a two-minute cutoff. And let's all try to respect it. I know it's difficult, but that's the way we get more people to speak. And I will then invite Slovenia, Minister Tanja from Slovenia, to be followed by Indonesia. Tanja, please.

Thank you so much, co-chairs. Slovenia is convinced the two-state solution remains the only viable path to peace. Three conditions must be met. First, a permanent and unconditional ceasefire. We all carry an undeniable moral and legal responsibility to stop further suffering and prevent genocide. Second, a credible Palestinian Authority. It must be reformed, legitimate, and capable, supported by sustained financing, the release of withheld revenues, and free movement of its leaders. Slovenia is pleased to join the Emergency Coalition for Palestine initiative. We view this as an essential collective effort to reinforce the Palestinian at this critical juncture and to demonstrate the international community's determination to safeguard the viability of the two-state solution. By aligning with this initiative, Slovenia underscores its readiness to work together with partners to uphold international law, strengthen Palestinian institutions, and advance a just and lasting peace. And let me say that Hamas must not be part of the future of Palestine. And third, humanitarian support must match the scale of the catastrophe. Our support to UNRWA must be steadfast. Slovenia does that with increased financial support and shared commitment. Slovenia has recognized Palestine, adopted concrete measures against the ongoing conflict and the settlements, and continues to push for coordinated EU action while raising its voice in the Security Council. We welcome the new wave of recognitions of Palestinian statehood, but recognitions alone are not enough. They must be matched with concrete, time-bound measures. Thank you.

Thank you very much, uh, Tanja, uh, Slovenia, uh, then I have the honor of giving the floor to Indonesia, to be followed by, um, by Chile, and that is, uh, Vice Minister Nasir, please, Indonesia.

Thank you, uh, thank you, co-chair, I will, I will follow the suggestion of, uh, of Minister Aspin, uh, that we should focus on how to move forward on the two state solution. Firstly, I would like to commend countries that have recently recognized Palestine, being on the right side of history. And also, just like to stress what the Prime Minister of Palestine said in the beginning, that the priority must be the ceasefire. But we have to also remember that recognition and ceasefire does not result in the ending of the occupation. So what we have to do now is prepare for that. And key for that is the day after. And I think it's important for this alliance to help prepare one coordinated peace plan and how to move forward. On this, I would just like to share what we have done, Indonesia. I mean, Indonesia is-- 20 years ago, we had an experience in Aceh, where the devastation of the tsunami, as well as the conflict with the separatist movement there. and how we were able to have a peace plan, a monitoring mission that was led by the EU, as well as a multi-donor trust fund, which was managed by the UN, by the World Bank, and how this worked together to help rebuild, and at the end, gave the adequate political space to end the conflict, but also at the same time, rebuilding Aceh. So I think this is something that we have to keep in mind and how do we prepare for that. And finally, what's important, what made Aceh successful was that it was led by Aceh, the people of Aceh. And I think this is what we have to remember. Any process that we make has to be led by the Palestinian. So that would be my contribution. Thank you, co-chair.

Thank you very much, Indonesia. And let me just say from the chairs that I much appreciate this sharing experiences. This was also mentioned from Ireland and from Austria. I think that's very useful to build on. We all know that two stories are not the same, but there's still something to learn from every process. So much appreciated. I will then give the floor to Chile in a second to be followed by Belgium. Bert van Klaauwen, please.

Excellencies, delegates, Chile welcomes this meeting and the Global Alliance focus on moving from consensus to implementation. Our immediate priorities are clear, a sustained ceasefire, the release of all hostages, unhindered humanitarian access throughout Gaza, and full protection of civilians and essential infrastructure in accordance with international humanitarian law. We also support UN-facilitated stabilization arrangements to uphold the ceasefire and enable early recovery. The two-state solution remains the only viable path to a just and lasting peace. We support a time-bound, actionable plan to realize an independent, sovereign, democratic, and economically viable state of Palestine on the basis of the 1967 lines, living side by side in peace and security with Israel, leading to regional integration and mutual recognition. We are deeply alarmed by the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and condemn all violence against civilians without distinction. We reaffirm our support to UNRWA and urge sustained financing for its essential neutral work. In the occupied West Bank, settlement expansion and settler violence violate international law and erode the viability of two states. They must cease. We support a peace supporting package to deliver concrete economic benefits and coordinating regional and international efforts for shared peace and security once an agreement based on the two-state solution and UN resolutions is reached. We stand ready to work with all partners to make this roadmap a reality now. Thank you very much.

Gracias, Chile. Gracias, Alberto. And then we'll give the floor to His Excellency Maxime Prevost, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Belgium, to be followed by the EU Commission. So Belgium, please.

Thank you, Excellencies, colleagues. First, let me thank Norway, Saudi Arabia, and the EU for organizing this important meeting. Earlier this week, we launched the New York Declaration. This commitment must now be matched by action. While our immediate priority remains the humanitarian situation, we must also seize the momentum and work together to support the Palestinian Authority in its efforts towards state and institution building. Peace entails the recognition of each other's rights, pain, narratives, and humanity. That's why we must invest in people-to-people programs. Dialogue, education, and shared experiences are essential to overcome decades of conflict, build trust between Palestinians and Israelis, and force the coexistence. Belgium has been a committed partner since 1997 through Enabel, our development agency. We've invested over 200 million in bilateral support and 600 million via the United Nations, civil society, and international organizations. Our focus includes education, local governance, and sustainable development. We have also invested in revitalizing historical city centers, promoting local businesses and tourism, and economic development, including in Sebastia, Area C, in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Few donors have taken this approach, but if we believe in a two-state solution, we must invest where it matters. However, as long as Palestinian ministries face physical, political, and financial barriers, we cannot expect them to be able to fully serve their citizens. In Gaza, Belgium has worked through the Palestinian Authority, and today the situation makes that impossible. Yet our commitment remains firm. When conditions allow, Belgium will be ready to resume its support, because lasting peace demands not only political will, but enduring partnerships and the courage to invest in hope, even when the path is uncertain. Thank you.

Um, Maxime, Maxime, thank you, Belgium, and let me again, it, it is incredibly important that we do not lose sight of the immediate needs that you, uh, of the Palestinian Authority, and, you know, there will be no Palestine, Palestinian state in the long run if it dies, uh, on the way there, so, uh, thank you for that, and, and we are also very… dedicated to that case. Then it is the European Commission, to be followed by Qatar, and I'm honored to give the word to the Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Madame Dubravka Zuceva.

Thank you, Minister. All of us agree that the situation requires urgent international action. I intervene only to support what our HRVP Kaya Kallas already said. So this is something which is very important. So we are always committed to two-state solution. Of course, we were advocating for lasting peace in the region. We also always advocated for the immediate release of all hostages and the protection of Israeli civilians. For us, terrorism cannot be tolerated, so there can be never any place for Hamas, neither now nor in the future. This is something which is evident. But the situation has gone beyond, beyond all limits. So this is what all of us agree. So we strongly condemn the escalation of the situation in Gaza. Of course, there are some numbers here. In the absence of ceasefire, European Union has committed 170 million euro in humanitarian assistance for the Palestine in 2025. So this brings the total European humanitarian aid to 500 million since 2023. Beyond funding, European Union has also transported humanitarian cargo, as you know, through Relief European Union. and supported medical evacuations through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. UNRWA is currently indispensable, so this year we disbursed 82 million, which was committed this summer. Palestinian Authority, we need reformed, revitalized, modern, and strong Palestinian Authority. So it needs to be given more autonomy and control over its economic, trade, and fiscal policies. This is what we have been doing. So there is a reform agenda with 1.6 billion euros for the next three years. This morning, we signed with European Investment Bank 400 million euro loan. So this is to help small entrepreneurs, small and medium entrepreneurs, and it's about 20,000 small entrepreneurs who will benefit from this 400 million loan. So, but it is important to achieve meaningful progress on the release, what HRVP already said, release by Israel of withheld tax clearance revenues, which they owe to Palestinians. This is something which will help Palestinian Authority. So we have to think about day after in Gaza. As you know, the needs are huge. So this is exactly why the Palestine donor group is being setting up. It will be rooted in the Palestinian reform agenda. The Palestinian Authority will be able to present progress made on reforms to its partners. This is what we expect. And this group will also serve as a forum to facilitate discussions on the recovery and reconstruction of Gaza, once conditions allow, building on the foundations laid out by the Arab plan. This is very important. So the first gathering of this donor Palestinian group should come soon. This is to invite all parties, including the United Nations, and invitations will follow soon. Thank you so much.

Thank you very much, Commissioner. And then I have the honour of giving the floor to Qatar, Mohammed Al-Kulaifi, Minister of State, to be followed by UNRWA.

Honourable Minister, at the outset, I would like to thank the EU, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Norway for organizing this very important meeting. And to follow the great instruction by our dear minister, I tend not to read from my notes that's pre-prepared, and to be very practical to highlight a few points to take into consideration. We are very much alike when it comes to the major elements of the day after. We believe that the security aspects need to be responded. We believe that there should be an answer for the governance question. We believe that there should be a political horizon when it comes to the Palestinian cause. And we believe that there should be a reconstruction to provide a better life for the Palestinian people. So we're very much alike when it comes to those issues. Of course, more detail need to be integrated. And following up, I think, the very fruitful discussion that some of the Arab and Muslim leaders had with President Trump yesterday, this will pave the way to get a very important stakeholder involved in our serious discussion, which is the United States. And that's something I think is very brings more optimism and hopefulness to the work that we're doing. A few points to take into consideration. Our work will remain ink on paper unless that we reach a ceasefire. And therefore, reaching a ceasefire is something that is extremely critical. Us and our brothers in Egypt, we've been dedicating our time tirelessly and talking to both disputing parties, aiming to reach an agreement. If there is a will, there is a way. Lacking the political will from the disputing parties to a certain areas would damage the whole process. And therefore, I'm being very honest and transparent, pushing a ceasefire and also to something that is extremely important. The parties need to show seriousness toward those issues. We are very much alike, but the right question would be, does the disputing parties are alike when it comes to those very important pillars of the day after? This is something that I think the next days and weeks, we need to invest more time in trying to get the parties to cooperate and be more tolerant towards those process that allows prosperity, peace, and a better life for the people, either in Gaza or the neighborhood. And therefore, I think these are very important elements that we need to take into consideration, it's good that we're benchmarking, it's good that we're learning from previous experiences, DDR, humanitarian assistant, there are a lot of important issues and lesson learned that we can build upon while we go to the details, uh, uh, followed by the, um, very important, um… the adoption of the resolution, the New York resolution here, and that's related to the two-state solution is something that is extremely important. One last point, the recognition of the Palestinian state is a very important step. It is not a symbolic move. It is definitely a pathway towards long-lasting and peaceful solution. We highly encourage the others to continue to follow that path. We will continue to work with our partners in trying to reach that important outcome and to push ceasefire one and also more details into the other important elements. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Mohammed. Thank you, Qatar. And let me also echo what His Highness said, that how much we appreciate the efforts you are doing to provide for a ceasefire, the importance of a ceasefire, and how terribly appalled we were when the very place where ceasefire negotiations were taking place were bombed. in Qatar. So I just want to say from my side as well, but thank you for continuing and thank you for your optimism that the peace is possible. I then have the honor of giving the floor to Philippe Lazarini from Minerva to be followed by Venezuela.

Mr. Chair, we meet as a catastrophic situation in the occupied Palestinian territory threatens the entire region. Evidence is abundant of international crimes perpetrated with the full knowledge of the international community. The government of Israel is implementing a longstanding project to undermine the feasibility of a Palestinian state and separate Palestinians from Palestine. Dismantling UNRWA is a principal element of this agency. It is why the agency has been attacked relentlessly, with 370 colleagues killed, hundreds of premises destroyed, and financial support strangled. The Global Alliance and the New York Declaration envisage a ceasefire, stabilization, Palestinian-led governance, and a just political solution. UNRWA's 30,000-strong workforce, unparalleled service delivery networks, and deep reserves of community trust are key to achieving these goals. The Agency is an indispensable partner for peace. I ask, therefore, that Member States safeguard UNRWA's role within a time-bound political process and finance the provision of essential services until that process is completed. I think, Espen, you keep reminding that there is a risk that the PA might collapse, but if the PA collapse, it will lead onward to the collapse, and if onward collapse, we will also lead the PA to the collapse in the West Bank. So basically, our near future fate is very much intertwined. Thank you.

Thank you very much. I will then give the floor to Venezuela, to be followed by the United Arab Emirates. And the Foreign Minister of Venezuela, Mr. Ivan Gil Pinto, please.

Mr. Chair, we come together today not only as governments, but as human beings. A truly man-made catastrophe that has gone on for far too long. For Each attack on Gaza is not only a wound to Palestinians, but a wound to humanity and to the very foundations of international law. Venezuela stands firmly with Palestine, its people, and their just cause. Venezuela stands firmly with the right of Palestinians to live in freedom and dignity. Mr. Chair. Words of sympathy are not enough. We need real and coordinated action that can yield both meaningful and tangible results. A permanent ceasefire, first and foremost, the swift provision of humanitarian assistance at scale, the withdrawal of Israeli occupying forces, the deployment of a protection force to ensure the safety of the Palestinian people, and a massive international effort to rebuild Gaza under Palestinian leadership. Let us not forget, Palestinians' admission as a full member of the United Nations is not a gesture. It is a recognition of a people's existence, their dignity, and their future. It is a concrete affirmation of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. I thank you.

Muchas gracias, Venezuela. I now have the honor of giving the floor to the United Arab Emirates, Minister of State Shaheen, and then to be followed by Portugal.

Please.

Dear Chair, I would like to thank you and express my appreciation for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the European Commission, and also we thank the government of Norway for all the effort they exert in leading this coalition. We have also, UAE has contributed last year in the convention in Riyadh, and also we declare our adoption for the Declaration of New York, which paves the roadway to shape an independent Palestinian state that would live in peace and prosperity near the state of Israel. Now we started working we started implementing the practical steps in order to reach that goal. We welcome the multiple declarations of the state of Palestine, and we invite all the nations that have not accepted that declaration to accept it. When it comes down to the escalations taking place in Gaza and the West Bank, we ask for a ceasefire and for the release of all hostages and to allow the flow of humanitarian aid without restrictions. We support all the negotiation and mediation efforts done by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, and we invite the Security Council to hold Israel account for all the violations in the occupied Palestine. Over the past decades, we have have made known that there's not going to be a sustainable solution for the state for Palestine without a two-state solution. Therefore, we ask for everybody to contribute to reaching that solution, and at the end, we would like to take this historical moment to make implement tangible measures in order to reach solution and stability long term in the region. And I would like to thank you, Mr. Chair.

For your intervention from the United Arab Emirates. I now have the honor of giving the floor to Portugal to be followed by Switzerland. So it's, uh, Deputy Minister Ana Isabel Xavier from, uh, Portugal.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, allow me to commend to organizers of this very timely meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. For peace between Israelis and Palestinians to stand a chance, concrete and urgent action is needed to indeed finally ensure the implementation of the two-state solution, whereby two independent, sovereign, and democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace and security. As you are aware, Portugal formally recognized the State of Palestine last Sunday, a decision that reflects our long-standing position on the question of Palestine and the two-state solution, a step which seeks to contribute to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. Portugal will remain actively engaged in all possible ways towards the two-state solution, including in the framework of the Global Alliance. Since its inception, we have always regarded this initiative as a much-needed political and consensus-building forum. The time has come to translate the broad international consensus on the two-state solution into decisive irreversible action. First and foremost, we believe the violence against civilians and the unfathomable human suffering in Gaza must come to an immediate end with a sustainable ceasefire, the immediate resumption of full delivery of humanitarian assistance, and the release of all hostages. Portugal will continue to support UNRWA in its indispensable role in providing humanitarian aid and social services to Palestinians. We have also undertaken to scale up medical treatment of patients from Gaza. Thus, alongside another 26 other countries, we undersigned a joint statement on 23 September on to offer to assist with treatments of patients from Gaza into occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Likewise, together with our EU partners, we are committed to increasing support to the Palestinian Authority and to assist in strengthening and reforming Palestinian governance. We salute to work development by the eight working groups set up by the high-level conference on the two-state solution and look forward to carrying on working with partners on the implementation of the actions put forward across all the objectives. Thank you very much.

Uh, we then have, we'll give the floor to Switzerland to be followed by UNSC, and then I invite, uh, Deputy State Secretary Thomas Gerber to speak.

Ministers, Excellencies, Switzerland thanks Saudi Arabia, the EU, and Norway for convening this meeting of the Global Alliance. The situation in the Gaza Strip is unbearable. Switzerland calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the unconditional and immediate release of all hostages, and safe, rapid, and unimpeded humanitarian access. As the occupying power, Israel must respect its obligations under international law, including ensuring supplies to the population under its control. in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, settlement expansion, military escalation and settler violence must cease and be subject to investigation. Occupation is illegal and must end, as confirmed by the International Court of Justice. Switzerland firmly rejects the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory, settlements, annexation and forced displacement. There is no military solution. Two imperatives are central. Strict respect for international law, including humanitarian law and human rights law, to protect civilians, and the restoration of a credible political horizon to achieve, through diplomacy, the two-state solution. Switzerland supports the New York Declaration of the 29th of July, which commits us to concrete steps to end the war in Gaza, implement the two-state solution, and achieve regional integration. Switzerland welcomes the fact that the Global Alliance is presented as an implementing partner and remains willing to provide support to this end. What is needed today are actors capable of creating spaces that foster dialogue, launching processes, and developing concrete solutions for lasting peace. Switzerland has done so in the past and will continue to do so going forward. Switzerland, in particular, supports the efforts to stabilize the Palestinian Authority, whose reform program is essential for the delivery of services and the preservation of peace prospects. We welcome its commitment to these reforms and its intention to return to Gaza, and we are reviewing the various ongoing initiatives aimed at providing the Palestinian Authority with the means to fulfill its ambitions. Switzerland will continue to support these efforts, maintain strong humanitarian action, and place its good offices at the service of dialogue towards the two-state solution. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Switzerland. And then we'll give the floor to UNSCOW, to be followed by Estonia. And I'm happy to give the floor to Mr. Ramiz Alakbarov.

Excellencies, colleagues. extend my appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the European Union, and Norway for their continued leadership in this forum. This alliance and your efforts over the past year were pivotal in providing the basis for the New York Declaration endorsed by the General Assembly this month, and it gives a blueprint for concrete actions towards the implementation of the two-state solution grounded in international law and UN resolutions. This mission must include a sovereign and independent Palestinian state, existing in peace and security alongside Israel, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states. We also must support Israel's greater regional integration, with both states living in peace and within their secure and internationally recognized borders. Ladies and gentlemen, the possibility of realizing this vision is eroded by unabated devastation of Gaza, the holding of hostages in unbearable condition, regional escalations, and by daily violence, including acts of terror, and settler-related violence, settlement expansion, demolitions, unilateral actions that undermine peace. People on all sides are losing hope in the promise of the two-state solution that can deliver peace, security, and justice. I welcome today's tone of committing to moving from declarations to actions which promote peace, and the realization of the two-state solution. The path is clear, but requires a shift from promises to the actions in the end to the real political will. Important elements here. We must reach an important and a permanent ceasefire and release of all hostages in Gaza. Humanitarian assistance must be scaled up and early recovery started to meet immense needs. And UN is working tirelessly to make it happen, but our resource situation is there. Recovery and reconstruction in Gaza should reinforce the two-state vision with a single Palestinian government that is recognized and supported by the Palestinian people and international community. Supporting Palestinian Authority is an immediate priority. I urge international community to recognize when progress is made and to continue to support Palestinian government and its reform agenda under these incredibly challenging circumstances. It is important that Palestinian people and the international community supports the recognition of the Palestinian government, which governs across all APT, with Gaza and West Bank unified politically, economically, and administratively. The United Nations stands ready to support this effort. I will continue to engage with all parties and with international partners, specifically in the region, to advance this commitment. I thank you for your attention.

Thank you very much to UNSCO. I will then give the floor to Estonia, to be followed by Austria. And Estonia is represented by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minna Lind.

Thank you very much, Minister. It is clear that we must redouble our joint peace efforts and encourage Israeli and Palestinian leaders to move towards mutually acceptable agreements. We need an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, as has been said already in this room many times. The suffering of civilians, including children, is absolutely heartbreaking. And the confirmation of famine should serve as another stark wake-up call. It is vital that the UN and humanitarian partners have access and operate safely in Gaza in line with international humanitarian law. Estonia has provided humanitarian assistance through international humanitarian organizations, and furthermore, Estonian refugee aid is providing food aid to several hospitals in Gaza City to support both patients and healthcare workers there. Estonia believes that a genuine two-state solution, grounded in international law and the UN resolutions, remains the only viable path to a just and durable peace. Both peoples deserve the right to live in secure, sovereign states, side by side, free from violence and fear. We have endorsed the New York Declaration on the two-state solution and hope it will give renewed momentum to its implementation. We will continue to support the Palestinian Authority and its reform agenda. We know that the task before us is immense, but hopefully not insurmountable. Thank you.

Thank you very much to Estonia. I then have the honour of giving the floor to Austria, to be followed by Finland. So the Deputy Minister of Austria, please.

Thank you, Mr. President, Ministers, Excellencies, dear colleagues. These recent months have only strengthened our conviction that the two-state solution remains the only viable path to peace. As a first and crucial steps towards resuming a credible peace process, the war in Gaza must end. The ceasefire must go hand in hand with the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages by Hamas. Furthermore, Hamas must lay down its weapons and must not be playing any role in a post-war scenario. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is unacceptable. The suffering of the civilian population must stop. Since the outbreak of hostilities, Austria has provided over 67 million euros in humanitarian assistance to Gaza and to the conflict-ridden region. It is important to enable UN agencies that play a key role in aid distribution to do their job. Austria reaffirms its support for a two-state solution. For this reason, Austria has signed the New York Declaration and supported the UN resolution endorsing the document. Austria will remain a principled, constructive, and reliable partner in this alliance. We will continue to use our relationships and contacts to all sides to advance dialogue and trust, and we will continue supporting the Palestinian Authority in its reform efforts. In conclusion, let me reiterate that we stand ready to work with the European, Israeli, Arab, and other international partners to create the conditions for a viable peace process, one that delivers security, dignity, and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians alike. Thank you.

Thank you very much to Austria. Also, thank you for being part of this and having signed the declaration. That's really much appreciated. I will now give the floor to Finland, to be followed by Denmark. And Finland is represented by Deputy Minister Outi Hopoainen.

Chairs, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Finland commends France and Saudi Arabia for their vision and leadership at this critical moment, and we thank everyone in this hall for their commitment to this cause. To create a foundation for a lasting peace, the legitimate rights of both Israelis and Palestinians must be secured. The right to live in peace and security, and to pursue economic, social, and cultural development. Excellencies, as we know, the path to peace is not easy. But as our former president, the Nobel laureate Martti Ahtisaari put it, it is a matter of will. Beyond that, what we need right now is, firstly, an unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and no restrictions on the flow of humanitarian aid. This will help us go beyond the most immediate concerns. Secondly, the Palestinian Authority must have the financial means to develop the Palestinian society. This will help the Palestinian institutions get on their feet, which is what is needed to create a strong Palestinian state. And we note the new initiative of the Palestine Donor Group. Thirdly, and here I refer to the intervention by Luxembourg, Israel's security must also be fully ensured. The process at hand must also bring further recognitions of the State of Israel in the region. This will ensure that the peace will last. We know that education is the backbone of society. Finland has supported education sector in Palestine for years, and the learning outcomes have been among the best in the region, high literacy and school enrollment rates being a proof of this. Ladies and gentlemen, Finland is firmly committed to the two-state solution and stands ready to continue to do its part.

Thank you, Minister Holopainen. Then it is Denmark, to be followed by France. I give the floor to Under-Secretary Eva-Maria Frieda Barloes.

Thank you, Excellencies. Denmark fully supports the Global Alliance as a platform for creating momentum behind a peaceful solution to the conflict. As others have said, the war in Gaza needs to stop. As a current member of the UN Security Council and EU presidency, Denmark continues to push for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, unconditional release of all hostages, and unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza. The reconstruction of Gaza will be an enormous task for the international community, which we need to prepare for. It will require a coordinated effort with the Palestinian Authority in a leading role. We reiterate that Hamas can have no future role in Gaza. Denmark is ready to play a role in the efforts of early recovery and reconstruction of Gaza as soon as the situation on the ground permits. We need to see a return of the PA to Gaza with the whole of Palestine unified under one political leadership. Reform of the PA is a necessary condition along the path to a credible Palestinian state. Denmark has been an active voice in the EU in promoting support for capacity building and reform of the PA. We are proud to join the emergency coalition and to contribute with emergency support for the Palestinian Authority. Now this week, we really have witnessed a renewed energy and enthusiasm for peace based on the two-state solution, a solution that Denmark is very much prepared to build on. This is why the Danish Minister of Foreign Affairs stated on Monday that the keys to recognition of a Palestinian state should no longer lie in the hands of the Israeli government. The Palestinians themselves must become masters of their own destiny. At this critical juncture and through this meeting today, we must do everything in our power to support that.

Thank you. Thank you, Denmark. I will now give the floor to France, to be followed by the United Kingdom. And from France, represented by Director Romaric Rognan.

I want to thank the European Union, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Norway for convening. this new meeting of the Global Alliance. I believe this format gathers countries that are both horrified by the unjustifiable humanitarian toll that the continuing war in Gaza brings, but also believe that international law, negotiation between the parties, regional integration and cooperation should be the foundation of a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Earlier this week, with the two-state solution and the New York Declaration, we achieved a key milestone, I believe, in fostering international consensus and reaffirming the centrality of the two-state solution as the cornerstone of the solution. I'm proud to stand as a representative of a country which decided to recognize the state of Palestine as the vindication of the Palestinian people right for self-determination. We also fostered through this conference international consensus on what should come after, what should come next, a ceasefire, liberation of all stages, unhindered humanitarian access, removal of Hamas from governance of Gaza and disarmament, and the need for stabilization mission. We believe also that the Global Alliance has a key role to play to keep the international mobilization alive and active as the follow-up mechanism of the New York Declaration. We also welcome the discussions that took place yesterday between the U.S. and a number of Arab and Muslim countries. which are an opportunity to prevent further escalation through annexation or settlement acceleration. And finally, I would like to have a message for the Palestinian Authority, which has come up with courageous reforms commitment within the context of the two-state solution conference. And as we work with the PA to ensure accountability, transparency, and efficiency in their implementation, We also need to step up our support to the PA, both financial and political, and this is why we have joined with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Spain, and Norway in a call to join our efforts and step up our efforts in this regard. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much to France, and also thank you for reminding us about that immediate task that we have to work on together. And it's open for more countries if they want to join in raising the budget support for the PA in this current situation. I will now, if it's okay with Germany, I will now switch UK and Germany. So if Christian Buch is ready, Director General for Political Affairs, and then UK. Is that okay?

Thank you, Chair. High Representative, Ministers, Excellencies, colleagues, Germany subscribes to the New York Declaration. We voted for the resolution endorsing it. This declaration guides us in this week and beyond. It is our firm conviction that only a two-state solution with a Palestinian state existing side by side in peace and security with Israel will guarantee peace in the region and Israel's existence as a Jewish and democratic state. We believe that all peoples in the region have the right to live without fear and in dignity. This is a message that we convey on an almost daily basis to our Israeli friends. The two-state solution is the only way out of this conflict. For that very reason, it is our clear policy to protect the viability of the two-state solution. We push back against any attempt to weaken or destroy it. for instance by withholding tax revenues which belong to the Palestinian people. We reject settlements and any thoughts of annexation. And it is for this very reason that we contribute every single day in cash and in kind to building the foundations and institutions of a Palestinian state. Germany's current development cooperation with the PA amounts to more than 1 billion U.S. dollars, tens of billions since Oslo. Ladies and gentlemen, joint narratives for peace for the two-state solution are more important than ever. And recent polls from the Israeli Medveem Institute teach us that still 55 percent of all Israelis do support in principle the idea of the two-state solution. Let us use this potential, because the two-state solution is and remains the only way to achieve lasting peace and lasting security. We, Germany, stand ready to engage and do our part in the framework of the Global Alliance, including through organizing a meeting of this group. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much to Germany. I really want to underline the very solid support you have given all the time for the Palestinian Authority and the finances. It's really a good partnership. And this coalition has members who have recognized and have not yet recognized, but there are many ways to contribute to our common goals. So Germany is a good example of that. Thank you very much. I will then give the floor to the United Kingdom, to be followed by the Republic of Korea. And Stephen Hickley, who is MENA Director at the United Kingdom, now has the floor.

Mr. Chairman, let me begin by paying tribute to the role that Norway, the EU and Saudi Arabia have all played, particularly over the last year, to keep alive the hope of a two-state solution. We all appreciate your energy, your drive and your determination. Let me make three brief points. First, I'm delighted that this week the United Kingdom joined France, Canada, Australia, and several other countries in recognizing a Palestinian state. We did this because it reflects both the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to statehood and the reality that we all know that the two-state solution is the only path to security and lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike. Second, I am very encouraged this week by the progress towards a ceasefire and an agreement on a day after plan for Gaza. We really welcome this progress. We welcome the efforts of the United States, uh, and of key Arab countries in driving this forward. and we look forward to agreement as soon as possible on a comprehensive ceasefire and a day after plan that ensures that there are governance and security arrangements for the long term that build towards a two-state solution. Third, I echo the comments made by my French colleague about the importance of supporting and bolstering the Palestinian Authority through this really difficult period. We, like others, have provided budgetary support to the Palestinian Authority. We welcome the reforms that President Abbas has set out as part of the two-state solution conference, and we remain committed to providing assistance funding and training to the Palestinian security forces in the coming months as they seek to rise to the challenge of providing governance and security in Gaza. But they will need all of our help, and so all of us at this moment in time have a responsibility to step up and provide that assistance. Thank you.

Thank you very much to the United Kingdom. Again, thank you for your recognition. Well, and I have to say that As His Highness also said, we very much appreciate all those countries that recognized this last week. And of course, the UK recognition has a particular historic relevance because of what happened before the partition came along. So thank you very much for that and also for your comments on the financial situation. Maybe this is a good moment to just remind you that I think many of you will meet with us tomorrow in the HLC, the high level, the ad hoc liaison committee, which will discuss some of those things in further detail. I will now give the floor to the Republic of Korea to be followed by Italy and its director general Chung from Republic of Korea who will represent the country.

This meeting stands as a critical juncture to reaffirm our shared responsibility to uphold peace and human dignity in the Middle East. Since the attack by Hamas, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated with alarming rapidity. We are gravely concerned that Israel's intensified military offensive, particularly in Gaza City, will further exacerbate this humanitarian crisis. We therefore strongly urge all parties to exert every possible effort toward an immediate ceasefire and release of hostages and unimpeded humanitarian access. Such a ceasefire must serve as the foundation for Hamas disarmament and its removal from Palestinian governance. It must also pave the way for the expeditious reconstruction of Gaza. Beyond Gaza, the situation in the West Bank is worsening due to Israel's continued settlement construction and the violence perpetrated by extremist settlers. We urge Israel to reverse the decisions related to the settlement construction, including the E1 plan. We welcome the President Mahmoud Abbas' commitment to ambitious and concrete reforms. We look forward to their timely and effective implementation to yield successful outcomes. The international community must demonstrate resolute, strong political will and pursue tangible measures towards resolving the Israeli-Palestinian issue. The Republic of Korea has consistently supported the two-state solution. As a member of the Security Council, Korea has engaged earnestly and collective efforts to promote peace in the region. In this regard, we have endorsed the New York Declaration and voted in favor of the relevant UN General Assembly resolution. Korea has thus far provided 70 million in humanitarian assistance for civilians affected by the crisis in Gaza, and we are going to make an additional contribution of 60 million and more this year. Korea will remain a steadfast partner in the international community's pursuit of peace, reconciliation, reconstruction and the long-awaited realization of the two-state solution. I thank you.

Thank you very much for the Republic of Korea and also thank you very much for that contribution, very much appreciated. I will then give the floor to Italy to be followed by Canada and Italy is represented by Principal Director Maurizio Greganti.

Thank you very much, Minister, and first of all, let me commend and pay tribute to the work that you have done along with Saudi Arabia and the European Union for the Global Alliance. The Global Alliance has really helped define the framework for peace of the New York Declaration, which is now our plan for the two-state solution, which has been now endorsed by the vast majority of the UN membership. We have to look at this process first, trying to solve the conflict in Gaza. And there, I echo what the Qatari minister said on the need to reach a ceasefire as soon as possible. In the meantime, it's very important humanitarian assistance. And Italy has been doing a lot in this. We have been one of the leading countries for medical evacuations. and for humanitarian aid to the strip, uh, we are ready to work on the construction as soon as that will be possible, and we, we are ready to, uh, to contribute also to, uh, coming, uh, initiatives like a conference which will be organized by Egypt. On the political dimension of the two-state solution, I would like to highlight three points. The first one is the future governance, where Hamas cannot have any role in the future of Gaza and Palestine. They have to release all hostages and they have to lay down arms. And these are very important points also for my government to move to recognition. Second point is, if Hamas has no role there, very important, the role of the Palestinian Authority, which has already been said by a number of colleagues, and we have been constantly supporting them financially, but also with training for the past, for the security forces. Um, we, uh, did a specific work, uh, on security, uh, with the Indonesia, co-chairing the group on security, which, uh, work went into the New York Declaration, and we think security will be very important, and what we need is a comprehensive security framework for both, uh, Palestine and Israel. including a stabilization mission, which will be very important and will play an important role. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much to Italy, and thank you for highlighting the security dimension. And as I think you all know, in the New York Declaration, this is discussed in quite some detail, and it's absolutely imperative to underline that we need a good comprehensive framework, as you said, and that in the State of Palestine, there should be one authority, and there cannot be any other militant organization than those that pertain to the legitimate state, and that is clearly an essential part part of getting any further that everybody understands that that is the commitment that has been made by all the people who contributed to that, and first and foremost, of course, the State of Palestine itself. So thank you very much for pointing out that. I will then give the floor to Canada, to be followed by Greece. And Canada is represented by Ambassador Bob Wright.

Mr. Chairman, just very briefly, I want to say how much I've appreciated this discussion. and how much in particular the couple that I want to associate myself with, first with respect to the comments by the representative from Qatar. I think in the days ahead, we have to be very, very clear about the need for us to have one plan with respect to a ceasefire that we can all support and that we can convince Hamas to follow the logic of their marginalization which is absolutely essential and necessary for a peace process, and to convince the Israelis that it's time to reach a peace that will allow for the establishment of order and structure in Palestine that will, in fact, ensure not only the security of the people of the West Bank and of Gaza, but also ensure the security of people living in the State of Israel. I think we have to really focus on what it will take to get to that agreement, because without that first step, we can't do much on the second steps, which are essential. We know, I think we've all agreed on the plan that's necessary, and I commend all those who have engaged in reflection on what the day after plans will look like. But we first of all have to get to the day until we get to the day after. And getting to the day is going to be tricky and hard and difficult because there are competing agendas. And I commend everyone who's worked so hard on this. Canada has been proud to participate fully to join in the discussion and to work hard at support for the Palestinian Authority. We've already been involved in providing security on the West Bank for several years. We've been proud to provide that security assistance to the Palestinian Authority. We will continue to provide them with other forms of assistance. We will continue to urge a flow of funds from the state of Israel to the Palestinian Authority that will allow it to do its job. And we will encourage reforms by the Palestinian Authority, which will get us to a better place. My last point would be to simply endorse what Luxembourg said earlier, and that is that it is really critically important for everyone to take the next step in terms of engaging with Israel, as well as with the Palestinian Authority and with Palestine. I think there are still a number of countries that have not recognized the state of Israel. And I think if we're going to really ensure the kind of integration that is contemplated by the plan, we need to contemplate taking those steps, and those steps need to happen as well. And that's how we create a culture of peace, and that's how we create a structure for security. It's based on mutual respect, mutual recognition. and dealing with the security concerns that everyone has, at the same time as we deal with the appalling and catastrophic human rights situation and humanitarian situation in Gaza. A lot to do, but my friends, if we work together, we can do it. And I thank Norway, Saudi Arabia, France, the European Union for convening us in this way, and Canada will continue to walk that path with you as we go forward. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much, uh, Canada, and thank you, Bob, for those really wise words, and, uh, I think you, you point to a very important, um, element of the thinking that was behind setting up this, uh, Global Alliance, which is that we need to think about the short term and the long term at the same time, you can't do one or the other, so the idea that let's just get to the short and then we'll think about… what's next later would be wrong, but you can also not only focus on the long-term outcome without thinking of the day. It's the day and the day after, as you said, and this is very much the thinking that we have been trying to put into the New York Declaration and the philosophy that is behind this alliance. So thank you very much again for pointing out that. I then have the honor of giving the floor to Greece to be followed by Japan, and Greece is represented by Director General for International Organizations, Konstantinos.

Thank you, Chair. Greece reaffirms its strong support to the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. As difficult as it may seem today, Israelis and Palestinians must be given the opportunity to live side by side in peace and security. The two-state solution remains the only viable path forward. We need to provide the Palestinian people with a credible prospect of hope for the future. This is an indispensable condition for peace, stability, and security in the region, including the long-term security of Israel. Firstly, a ceasefire and hostage release agreement is urgently needed to allow a massive delivery of humanitarian aid to the suffering Palestinian people and for opening the path for a political process, political process which we firmly believe must lead to the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state. Furthermore, we need to create a credible Palestinian partner for peace, as Hamas should not have any role on governance or security in the day after. Greece has consistently stressed that an empowered, bolstered, and reformed Palestinian Authority is the best partner for peace and must play the central role in Gaza's future. We have been vocal within the European Union in advocating an increase of our financial assistance. The EU has already stepped up, approving this year the three-year package worth around 1.6 billion euros. This financial support is closely linked with reforms of the Palestinian Authority, focused among other things to good governance and transparency. We should also help the Palestinian Authority to take effective control over both the West Bank and Gaza. As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Greece's guiding compass is full respect for international law. The same principle applies to our stance in the General Assembly, where our voting record has been consistent and clear, supporting the Palestinian-led resolutions on the implementation of the ICJ advisory opinion, the resolution on Palestinian statehood, UNRWA, and most recently, the New York Declaration. On the West Bank, where recent settlement expansion and settler violence continues to undermine the prospects for peace. The escalation of settler violence, including against Christian communities, is a cause for grave alarm and it needs to stop now. We have expressed our profound concern over announcements on the construction of additional settlements in the E1 area of the West Bank, where they are to be realized. Such plans would effectively undermine the prospect of a two-state solution. Thank you.

Thank you very much to Greece. I, I will, in, in a second, I'll give the floor to Japan, but I'll just, uh, uh, I'll just tell you who's, uh, who's still on the list, just to make sure that we have made no mistakes here, so we have Japan, Malta, Pakistan, OIC, uh, Arab League, and, and then finally, the Sovereign Order of Malta, if somebody was not mentioned, but have asked for the floor, please, uh, please reach out, uh, quickly. Then it is Japan, to be followed by Malta, as I already said. That's the Director General for Middle East, Assistant Director Ebamotto.

Thank you very much, co-chairs. Japan has consistently supported a two-state solution. For my country, the issue of recognizing a Palestinian state is not a matter of if, but a matter of when. Should Israel take further action that block the path to the realization of a two-state solution, Japan will be compelled to introduce new measures in response. At the same time, Japan fully supports the aspirations of the Palestinian people to establish their own independent state. In this regard, Japan has been one of the largest donors in enhancing the capability of the Palestinian Authority. Especially at this moment, urgent action is required to address the fiscal challenges facing the Palestinian Authority. Therefore, we welcome the launch of the Emergency Coalition for the Financial Sustainability of the Palestinian Authority, and Japan has decided to join this very important initiative. And we look forward to work together with all the like-minded countries. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Japan, also for your contribution. That's really welcome. Then I will in a second give the floor to Malta to be followed by Pakistan. And Malta is represented by David Mansfield, Director General.

Thank you very much, Coaches. Considering the trajectory and the scale of events throughout Gaza and the West Bank, we believe that the two-state solution is indeed facing an existential threat. Malta thus announced on Monday our decision to formally recognize the State of Palestine as a concrete step towards safeguarding the two-state solution. Our decision should not be seen as part of a broader political process premised upon meaningful negotiations between both sides for a ceasefire, cessation of settlement expansion, reforms for a more democratic Palestinian Authority, normalization of relations with Israel, and collective security guarantees that lay the groundwork for two states living side by side in peaceful coexistence. Furthermore, as many others have stated before, we insist that Hamas must be disarmed. release all hostages and must have no further role in future governance or security set up in Palestine. Building on our intervention at the high-level conference in July, there are four areas of particular interest to us where we believe our contribution can provide added value. Firstly, we shall increase our financial aid to the State of Palestine to promote access to health, education and other essential social goods. In particular, we will focus our support on repair and reconstruction initiatives directly benefiting children and the elderly. We will support initiatives that bring together Palestinian and Israeli civil society, enhancing people-to-people contacts and reconciliation. Thirdly, on education, we will focus our support on access to education for Palestinian children, particularly in Gaza, giving particular importance to the infrastructure required for quality education. Fourthly, we shall continue to support all initiatives aimed at promoting peace and ending violence and settlement construction in the West Bank, and here we will continue to support UNRWA's full-scale resumption of operations. Finally, fundamentally, as a sustainable Palestinian state requires political will on the part of both Palestinian and Israeli governments, as well as the international community, to ensure that the wider environment within which such measures are implemented is orientated towards peace, security, and prosperity. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much to Malta. I will then give the floor to the OIC, to be followed by the Arab League, and to the OIC by the No, sorry, I was wrong. I said Pakistan. So Pakistan before OSI. So Pakistan is represented by Director Siddiq, and then it will be the OSI. Sorry.

Thank you very much, co-chair. One year since the launch of this alliance, the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory has grown increasingly dire. We are witnessing an unfolding genocide in Gaza, while the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with famine confirmed in the Gaza City. In the occupied West Bank, the expansion of illegal settlements is undermining the two-state solution. The High-Level International Conference on the Two-State Solution provides us with a collective framework towards achieving a just solution. Our priorities must remain clear: an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire and an end to all military operations; an end to obstruction of humanitarian aid and lifting of the blockade; and achievement of a just and lasting peace through the creation of a sovereign, independent, viable and contiguous Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds al-Sharif at its capital. We stand ready to support all initiatives aimed at achieving these goals.

Thank you, Co-Chair.

Thank you very much to Pakistan. Now it is the Assistant Secretary-General of OIC, please.

First, I would like.

To express the gratitude of the Islamic Organization to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to Norway for hosting this meeting. which reflects the commitment to reach a sustainable and comprehensive peace in the Middle East based on the two-state solution. The organization welcomes the continuation of the United Nation in order to implement the two-state solution. the meeting that was that took place the day before yesterday under Saudi Arabia and France, and we declared we recognized the state of Palestine, and we invite all the countries that have not recognized the state of Palestine to follow the steps and to recognize Palestine as a state in the UN. The organization also welcomes calls for an end to all the Israeli violations and a permanent ceasefire, and to allow the flow of humanitarian aid and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and to release the tax profits to Palestine in order for Palestine to meet their commitment in all Palestinian lands. We also reiterate our commitment to support UNRWA, and we will provide all support necessary, and we will continue to work with all international partners in order to implement a two-state solution and to follow up on the Declaration of New York and end the occupation and the settlements and allow the Palestinian people to have their rights and self-determination and sovereignty, and go back to the borders for the 4th of June 1967 with the capital of Jerusalem, and the right of refugees to return based on the UN resolutions, and to implement the two-state solution. And we invite everyone to continue and take tangible steps to walk that. Thank you.

The floor to the League of Arab States to be. The League of Arab States is represented by spokesperson Gammal Roshdi.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. In the beginning, we thank all our partners from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the European Union, and from Norway, and we affirmed the importance of continuing that effort in order for, uh, this to be tangible. We all the political effort really have, uh, reached, uh, fruits and, uh, the day before yesterday, we saw the, uh… the fruit of historical declarations related to the recognition of the state of Palestine. Therefore, we talk about we ask for the end of genocide in Gaza and to stop the forced displacement. These are the priorities that we request now in order to maintain the Palestinian the rights of the Palestinian people and establishing their state. Also, the negotiations are not enough. The occupying country has lost its moral compass and has committed many violations, which the occupied country continues the war without end. Therefore, the two-state solution means first to stop the Israeli assault, and Israel has to be subjected to sanctions. in order to get the Israeli people to understand that the Israeli government has violated the law and it has no place in the international community with the, amid the civilized nations because they have committed mass murders and it is about refinement in morality. And I thank everyone.

Thank you very much to the League of Arab States. We'll then give the floor to Australia, to be followed by the Order of Malta, which is the last one on my list. But now it is Australia, Matthew Weiss, Assistant Secretary of the Middle East branch.

Thank you very much. Thank you for making time for us. Australia thanks the Kingdoms of Saudi Arabia and of Norway and the European Union for their continued leadership of the Global Alliance. Australia is a longstanding supporter of the two-state solution, which we believe is the only enduring path to peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. Our recognition of the state of Palestine this week builds on that belief and we hope contributes to international momentum at an important time. We're pleased to endorse the New York Declaration, which commits to time-bound irreversible steps. We welcome the initiative of the Global Alliance to operationalise the UN General Assembly's objectives through the New York Declaration. As in all conflicts, all sides have responsibilities. None should take unilateral actions that threaten a more stable future. Record settlement expansion, Israel's impunity for settler violence in the West Bank make peace harder to reach. And of course, right now, Gaza is facing a humanitarian catastrophe. We join with allies and partners in calling for a ceasefire, hostages to be returned immediately with dignity, and an unimpeded flow of aid. We have set out clear requirements as an international community for the Palestinian Authority. The Palestinian people deserve a government that is accountable, democratic and peaceful. We welcome major new reform commitments from the PA and the support of the Arab League that has been clear that there can be no role for Hamas in the governance of Gaza. A strong, reformed PA offers the best opportunity of countering extremism and restoring unity. We welcome the current momentum, including through this Global Alliance and the New York Declaration, and stand ready to work with international partners and the Palestinian people to strengthen Palestinian institutions and build a better future so that Palestinians and Israelis can live together in peace and security.

Thank you very much to Australia and thank you also for what you did this week, which is really appreciated. And then I have the honor of giving the floor to the final speaker before we conclude from here, which is from the Order of Malta, is the Grand Chancellor, Riccardo Paternu di Montecupo, please.

Your Excellencies, your Excellencies, the co-chair, distinguished delegates, on behalf of the Order, of Malta, I would like to express gratitude and appreciation to Norway, Saudi Arabia, and European Union for convening this meeting. Excellencies, permit me to highlight a few priorities. First, an agreement on the cease-fire is most urgent, as well as the unconditional release of the resilient hostage. Hostilities and military operations in Gaza must end immediately, if only to facilitate the access of humanitarian aid. People in Gaza are starving and lack not only food, but also water, medicine, and other essential supplies. We set in motion plans to establish a clinic in the Gaza City with the assistance of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and Caritas. Unfortunately, the military condition there hinder our capacity to operate humanitarian programs. Secondly, hope must return to the people of Gaza. They have suffered too much death and destruction. They lack social services, hospitals, schools, and many other facilities. Thirdly, we should think and plan in terms of stabilization and reconstruction under proper political and security conditions. The Sovereign Order of Malta will not spare its effort and will continue to be on the ground and to focus its advocacy and activities in favor of the most disadvantaged: children, the thousands of orphans, the disabled, the elderly, and the alone. Such a situation compounds the risk of social marginalization and political radicalization. We express our solidarity with the family of all victims of both sides of these conflicts. And we reiterate our wish that the people of Israel and Palestine live side by side in peace, security, and tolerance. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much to the Sovereign Order of Malta. That completes the list from the floor. I will now give Mr. Christophe Pigot the word for the first of the last three comments from our side.

Thank you.

I will speak in French. First of all, I would like to thank the country of Saudi Arabia, the European Union, and Norway. Thinking about the team, Dr. Manal, Tarun, and Mehdi, who prepared this event. I would like to thank those who are here.

This has been an important meeting. It has been concrete. It has been positive.

In spite of these dramatic circumstances, and that is with that spirit of this global alliance. It is about the long term and what the prospects might be. I am delighted by this first anniversary and to have this new meeting that has taken place during this new session.

I would just like to conclude by.

Saying that the European Union is willing and ready to fully engage in this process that aims to achieve a Palestinian state that is sovereign, living side by side in peace and security with Israel.

Thank you.

We have been joined, as you can see, by Deputy Minister for International and Multilateral Affairs, Abdulrahman Al-Rasay. His Highness very much wanted to come back, but he is actually engaged in conversations trying to take the ideas of the Global Alliance further, which were really important. But I now give the floor to you for your summing up.

Thank you.

At the end of our, um, uh, ministerial meeting for the implementation of the two state solution, I affirmed that what, uh, that we have to, uh… change New York to make it into a tangible plan of action that would have transparent and serious measures. And this is what we're going to work on in our upcoming meetings in Riyadh and Oman, Ankara, and Dublin in the time to come. We have affirmed that the priority today is to end the war and to ensure the flow of the humanitarian aid without restriction to all areas of Gaza and to reject starvation as a war tool. And we also have agreed to maintain the sovereignty of the Palestinian land in Gaza and in Western Bank and to refuse the annexation and the forced replacement, displacement, and settlement expansion. We also Also, this meeting, we discussed the steps taken to embody the independent Palestinian state with sovereignty that would live side by side in peace and security next to Israel. We have also assured that the recognition of Palestine and its representation are main pillars in a permanent solution. stressed the importance of empowering the Palestinian Authority and all the work done by the prime minister, Palestinian prime minister, Dr. Mohammad Mustafa. And we have also talked about the committee to coordinate the developmental aid for the Palestinian Authority by the leadership of the Norway and the European We will continue to work with Saudi Arabia and with the partnerships to ensure that this alliance would support the state of Palestine. And thank you. Thank you very much.

Let me also from my side echo what both Minister Al-Rasayy and Mr. Bigot said, thank you very much for a very fruitful conversation. Thank you for the tone. Thank you for brevity and for clarity of proposals. Much appreciated. I think that what we have set the float here with the Global Alliance really brings a new paradigm. And the paradigm that should both bring hope to the people of Palestine, that there is an alternative to eternal occupation, but also an alternative to violence. that a future life in dignity and peace and cultural economic expression of the Palestinian people is possible, but also a reassurance to the people of Israel that you also have many friends who may disagree with your current policies, but you are very much ready to also be part of shaping a regional solution where the two states, Palestine and Israel, can live peacefully together with support and security guarantees and friendship countries close and far apart. And that is very much a message that I hope we can all bring both to the Palestinian people and government and to Israel. And I encourage the representative, the deputy, the DPR of Palestine to bring all what happened here to the attention of your government. We are, of course, very happy that you are here, very sorry that they are not here for reasons that we all know. But we much appreciate the close cooperation with the state of Palestine and your own commitment to being part of this major effort. And again, let me encourage particularly those of us who have the best channels to the Israeli society and Israeli government to try to convey all the elements of the platform of the New York Declaration that actually suggests that this is a way to peace also for them, just as much as for the people of Palestine. It's really needed. We need to build on this momentum that was created here today in this meeting and in the other events that happened, I will remind you again of the, uh, ad hoc liaison committee meeting on the economy of Palestine, uh, tomorrow, the donor group. And I will also hope that we now take all what was discussed here and transform the political transition that has happened around this old issue into change on the ground and change to the better in regional peace format. So thank you very much for being with us. Thank you for all your efforts and have a good afternoon and evening.