Revised strategy for implementing a two-state resolution
The ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and the broader Israeli-Palestinian issue has seen several countries and regional entities actively pursuing recognition of a Palestinian state as part of efforts to bring about peace. At the same time, major powers and international bodies have emphasized the need for Hamas to end its rule and disarm as a condition for peace and statehood.
Recognition of Palestinian Statehood
San Marino has committed to recognizing the State of Palestine by the end of 2025, framing this decision as a principled stance grounded in international law and the right to self-determination. France plans to formally recognize Palestinian statehood, announced by President Emmanuel Macron in 2025. Canada intends to recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025, conditioned on the Palestinian Authority committing to governance reforms, holding elections in which Hamas cannot participate, and demilitarizing the state. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) urges global countries to join an alliance supporting the two-state solution and recognizing Palestine as essential for regional stability and peace.
Calls for Gaza Humanitarian Access and Ceasefire
The UK, France, and Germany have jointly called on Israel to grant full humanitarian access to Gaza and demand an immediate ceasefire, describing the situation as a humanitarian catastrophe. They also expressed readiness to support peace initiatives, though without specifying exact steps. In January 2025, a ceasefire mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar sought to end 15 months of war between Israel and Hamas, indicating ongoing diplomatic engagement to halt hostilities.
Emphasis on Hamas Demilitarization and End of Rule
Canada explicitly conditions its recognition of Palestine on the Palestinian Authority’s agreement to reforms, including holding general elections excluding Hamas and the demilitarization of the Palestinian state, reflecting apprehensions about Hamas’s control and security threat. China supports Palestinian national unity efforts, hosting reconciliation talks among Palestinian factions and pledging humanitarian and developmental aid to build a viable Palestinian state.
Sanctions and Diplomatic Measures on Israel and Settlers
The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on violent Israeli settlers, suspended arms exports to Gaza, and halted trade negotiations with Israel, signaling pressure on Israel regarding settlement policy and violence against Palestinians.
Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is planning to travel to the region to persuade Israel to change its mind diplomatically, discussing the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip with Israeli and UN representatives. Wadephul also plans to meet representatives of the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. The Arab League also participated in the joint declaration.
The British government has shifted to a more assertive stance against Israel's war crimes in the Gaza Strip, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer announcing that his government would recognize Palestine as an independent state if Israel's government does not end the Gaza war by September. These actions form a broad international consensus on the goal of establishing an internationally recognized Palestinian state based on a two-state solution, alongside urgent humanitarian aid and cessation of violence in Gaza. However, conditions related to Hamas’s disarmament and political exclusion remain pivotal and contentious in many countries’ policies.
War-and-conflicts continue to dominate the Israeli-Palestinian issue, with politics playing a significant role. General news sources report that San Marino has pledged to officially recognize the State of Palestine by the end of 2025, aligning with international law and the principle of self-determination. Meanwhile, there are mounting calls for Hamas to relinquish control and disarm as a prerequisite for peace and statehood, with Canada imposing such conditions for recognizing the State of Palestine.
