We need action, not just words. The international community must do more to ensure that the two-state solution becomes a reality. Today, I have urged everyone to think creatively about the concrete steps each of us can take to help build the Palestinian state. It is clear from our meeting that a vast majority of the world’s countries support a two-state solution. A just solution that safeguards the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination is a prerequisite for lasting peace, and cannot be put off to a later date,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.
Today, Norway hosted a meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution at Oslo City Hall. Representatives from 84 countries and organisations took part. The Global Alliance was established by Norway, the EU and Saudi Arabia during the UN General Assembly in New York in September last year, and this is the third follow-up meeting. The Alliance seeks to promote close, international coordination with the aim of achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, securing the release of the hostages and identifying specific measures to facilitate the realisation of the two-state solution.
The Oslo meeting focused on the need to strengthen the Palestinian institutions that have been developed over the past few decades. These have now come under threat from various quarters: a far-reaching economic crisis, the legislation passed by the Knesset (Israeli parliament), which in practice makes it impossible for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to deliver basic services such as education and health care to Palestine refugees, and record-high illegal Israeli settlement activity and violence.
In his remarks at Oslo City Hall, Foreign Minister Eide emphasised the need for a lasting solution to the conflict that will safeguard the right to self-determination, provide security and deliver justice for Palestinians and Israelis alike.
‘We must strengthen the Palestinian government, Palestinian institutions and the Palestinian economy, and prevent the situation from deteriorating further. It is important that the Palestinian government is in the driving seat in the Palestinian state-building project. That is why I am particularly pleased that Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa came to Oslo to tell us about the Palestinian government’s plans and needs,’ said Mr Eide.
The war in Gaza has had catastrophic impacts on everyone in the Middle East and has severely affected the state-building project in Palestine. There are strong indications that a ceasefire agreement is imminent and that it will encompass an end to the hostilities, the release of the hostages and the delivery of increased humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
‘The indications that a ceasefire is imminent bring us hope. However, a ceasefire in itself will not resolve the conflict. While we must do all we can to bring the war to an end, we must also continue the important work of preparing for what is to happen once the war is over. Gaza is a part of Palestine and must be governed and rebuilt by Palestinians. We must work together to keep up the momentum towards create lasting peace through a two-state solution,’ said Mr Eide.
