Formation of The Global Alliance for Palestinian Statehood and Two-State Solution

Norway’s Foreign Minister, Espen Barth Eide, emphasized the growing consensus among various nations regarding the necessity of establishing a Palestinian Authority and government. The initiative was launched during a meeting at the U.N. General Assembly, attended by nearly 90 countries, and seeks to create a framework for recognizing Palestine as an independent state. Eide noted that resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict requires a comprehensive approach, considering the interlinked issues of security, normalization of relations, and the demobilization of Hamas. Despite skepticism regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s support, the alliance represents a concerted effort to break the deadlock in negotiations that have persisted for decades.

Goals of the Alliance

• Establish Palestinian Authority: The alliance aims to strengthen the Palestinian governance structure.
• Two-State Solution: Promoting a solution that recognizes both Israel and Palestine as independent states.
• International Recognition: Encouraging countries that have not yet recognized Palestine to do so and support its bid for U.N. membership.

Context of the Initiative

The initiative is framed against the backdrop of ongoing violence in the region, particularly the war in Gaza and tensions in Lebanon. Eide remarked that while immediate cease-fires are crucial, they should not replace the pursuit of lasting solutions. The alliance builds on the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which proposed normalization of relations between Israel and Arab states in exchange for Israel’s withdrawal from territories occupied in 1967. By updating this initiative to reflect current realities, the coalition seeks to reinvigorate efforts toward achieving peace and stability in the region.