UN conference backs a two-state solution

CALLS ON ISRAEL TO COMMIT TO A PALESTINIAN STATE

- Agencies

High-level representatives at a UN conference on Tuesday urged Israel to commit to a Palestinian state and gave “unwavering support” to a two-state solution, signalling widespread international determination to end one of the world’s longest conflicts.

The “New York Declaration” sets out a phased plan to end the nearly eight-decade conflict and the ongoing war in Gaza. The plan would culminate with an independent, demilitarised Palestine living side by side peacefully with Israel, and their eventual integration into the wider Mideast region.

The meeting is taking place amid the latest reports that starvation and famine are taking place in Gaza, and growing global outrage at Palestinians not getting food due to Israeli policies and practices ~ which Israel denies. Planned for two days, the meeting was extended into Wednesday because representatives of about 50 countries have not spoken.