Prince Faisal calls for a sustainable two-state solution and warns that Gaza reconstruction must be part of a lasting peace plan
At the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan expressed optimism that the long-standing Israel-Palestine conflict can be resolved if both sides commit to genuine negotiations.
“The issues between Israel and Palestine are not insurmountable,” Prince Faisal told Arab News. “With serious political will, we could have a Palestinian state in relatively short order — one that is sustainable, viable, and able to live in harmony with Israel.”
His remarks came just after the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, which resulted in the adoption of the New York Declaration. The document, overwhelmingly endorsed by the UN, outlines a roadmap for achieving peace.
The New York Declaration: A Framework for Peace
The declaration includes tangible, timebound steps toward resolving the conflict, focusing on:
- Political governance and security
- Humanitarian aid and economic recovery
- Legal accountability for violations
It also calls for:
- An immediate ceasefire in Gaza
- The reunification of Gaza with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority
- The exclusion of Hamas from governance
- A temporary UN-led stabilization mission
- A halt to Israeli settlement expansion
Prince Faisal stressed that these measures form the only viable path toward peace and stability. “The two-state solution is the only sustainable pathway for the region,” he said.
Gaza Reconstruction Must Be Long-Term
On the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Prince Faisal acknowledged the significant outpouring of aid but warned against repeating short-term fixes.
“It’s unacceptable that Gaza is rebuilt after every war, only to face destruction again,” he said. “Reconstruction must be sustainable and tied directly to a final political resolution.”
He emphasized that rebuilding Gaza should be part of a comprehensive peace plan — not just a temporary solution.
Looking Ahead: Final Status and International Law
Prince Faisal noted that the foundations of a Palestinian state already exist under international law, with the 1967 borders recognized as its legal boundaries. He called for final-status negotiations to move forward in good faith, saying:
“The building blocks are there. The UN resolutions are clear — Israel and Palestine both have the right to exist, side by side, in peace.”