NEW YORK CITY: Arab News has been given an exclusive first look at a preliminary outcome document from the conference on a two-state solution to the conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians, which began on Monday at the UN headquarters in New York.
Circulated by France among UN member states and open for comments until Tuesday morning, the document represents a critical step in attempts to revitalize long-stalled efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, against a backdrop in recent years of renewed violence and diplomatic deadlock.
The draft strongly condemns the “barbaric and antisemitic terrorist attack” on Israeli towns launched by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023. It demands an immediate ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages still held by Hamas, including the return of the remains of those who have died.
It also stresses the urgent need for unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza, to alleviate the suffering of civilians caught up in the crisis.
Central to the draft text is a reaffirmation of the “unwavering commitment” of the international community to the vision for two democratic states — Israel and Palestine — living side by side in peace within secure and internationally recognized borders.
