Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and other Arab nations are urging Hamas to disarm and accept a two-state solution amid its ongoing war with Israel.
Backed by the Arab League, EU, and 17 countries, the “New York Declaration”—announced at a France–Saudi Arabia-led conference—calls for unifying Gaza and the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority and dismantling armed groups like Hamas, according to the Times of Israel.
“In the context of ending the war in Gaza, Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, with international engagement and support, in line with the objective of a sovereign and independent Palestinian State,” the declaration states.
The declaration also urges Israel to commit to a two-state solution with a sovereign Palestinian state, including East Jerusalem as its capital—a proposal long rejected by Prime Minister Netanyahu over security concerns. It stresses that only a political solution can end the conflict, aiming to establish a viable Palestinian state living peacefully alongside Israel.
The declaration calls for an immediate end to the Gaza war, the release of all hostages by Hamas, the return of remains, a prisoner exchange, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. It supports mediation by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. and proposes a transitional committee to govern Gaza under the Palestinian Authority after a ceasefire. The document also condemns both the October 7 attacks and Israel’s actions during the conflict.
“We condemn the attacks committed by Hamas against civilians on the 7th of October. We also condemn the attacks by Israel against civilians in Gaza and civilian infrastructure, siege and starvation, which have resulted in a devastating humanitarian catastrophe and protection crisis,” the declaration reads.
Israel rejected the declaration, reaffirming its commitment to eliminating Hamas and refusing to alter its objectives.
“No token recognition and no U.N. resolution will change the basic fact that there are those in the world who fight terrorists and extremist forces and then there are those who turn a blind eye to them or resort to appeasement,” Israeli U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon said in a statement. “We will do whatever is necessary to bring home the hostages and defeat Hamas.”
