A United Nations conference jointly hosted by Saudi Arabia and France has ended with a rare and significant joint declaration calling for the disarmament of Hamas, an end to its rule in Gaza, and renewed global support for the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state.
The meeting took place at the UN headquarters in New York from July 28 to 30, and was attended by representatives of 17 countries, the European Union, and the Arab League.
The declaration comes after nearly 22 months of war between Israel and Hamas, which began after the October 7, 2023 attacks that has left hundreds dead and led to heavy Israeli bombardments in Gaza.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, over 60,000 people have been killed since then, with over 150 deaths from starvation, mostly children, recorded in the past year.
Reasons Behind the Pressure on Hamas
At the centre of the declaration is a call for Hamas to disarm and transfer authority over Gaza to the Palestinian Authority (PA).
This is the first time Arab states like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt have openly demanded Hamas’s disarmament and removal from governance.
According to Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, the move is necessary “to end the war and move forward toward a stable and sovereign Palestinian state.”
The document states that both Hamas and Israel should exit Gaza, allowing a transitional administrative body under the PA to take control, with international support and monitoring.
The Palestinian delegation at the UN had earlier called for such a handover, citing the humanitarian crisis and the political impasse as major threats to Palestinian unity and statehood.
The final seven-page document outlines several steps toward resolving the crisis:
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Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas
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Disarmament of Hamas and an end to its rule in Gaza
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Formation of a transitional administrative committee under the Palestinian Authority
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Deployment of an international stabilisation mission, with some nations pledging troops
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Clear Israeli commitment to the two-state solution
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End to Israeli settlement expansion, land grabs, and annexation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem
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Restrictive measures against violent settlers and extremist groups
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Recognition of Palestinian statehood as inseparable from regional peace
The declaration also condemns the October 7 attacks and states that the only viable solution lies in “ending occupation, ending terror, and securing statehood and coexistence for both peoples.”
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot described the outcome as “historic,” highlighting that “for the first time, Middle Eastern nations have condemned Hamas by name and openly supported its exclusion from governance.”
The United Kingdom, through Foreign Secretary David Lammy, announced it may recognise the State of Palestine in September, depending on Israel’s actions concerning ceasefire and humanitarian access.
French President Emmanuel Macron also confirmed that France is prepared to recognise Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly in September.
Countries such as Canada, Australia, Portugal, and Finland, which have yet to recognise Palestine, expressed “positive consideration” toward doing so.
However, Israel and the United States did not participate in the conference.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in response to the UK’s position, accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of “rewarding terrorism.”
He said on social media that “recognising Palestine while hostages are still held in Gaza is appeasement, not diplomacy.”
A statement from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum in Israel also criticized moves to recognise Palestine while 50 Israeli hostages remain captive, calling it a “dangerous political failure.”
Former US President Donald Trump commented on the worsening conditions in Gaza, stating that “Gazans are starving.” His remarks appear to have shifted the tone within segments of the Republican base, many of whom previously showed support for Israel.
Analysts say Trump’s comments, though limited, suggests growing discomfort with the humanitarian costs of the war.
Reports from UN food security monitors confirm that famine conditions are now unfolding in Gaza. On July 29 alone, seven new starvation-related deaths were recorded. Aid deliveries, though increasing, remain inconsistent, with several trucks looted before distribution.
As of now, Hamas has not issued a formal response to the demands made at the conference. However, the group has in the past rejected international calls to disarm, accusing the Palestinian Authority of collaborating with Israel.
Observers say the success of this initiative depends largely on the reactions of Hamas, Israel, and the United States, none of whom were directly represented at the talks.
