Arab Nations Demand Disarmament of Hamas and Support for Two-State Solution Amid Ongoing Conflict

A coalition of Arab nations, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, is urging Hamas to relinquish its weapons and agree to a two-state solution as hostilities with Israel continue. This plea has garnered support from the entire Arab League, the European Union, and 17 other nations during a recent conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.

The "New York Declaration," which was obtained by the Times of Israel, advocates for the unification of Gaza and the West Bank under the governance of the Palestinian Authority. It emphasizes the necessity for the disbandment of Hamas' military capabilities, aiming for an end to armed group control in the region. Interestingly, the declaration specifies that for a peaceful resolution in Gaza, Hamas must terminate its authority there and surrender its arms to the Palestinian Authority, with international backing aimed at establishing a sovereign Palestinian state.

Furthermore, the document calls for a commitment from Israel to a two-state solution which would include creating a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently opposed this idea, citing security issues as his primary concern. The declaration insists that "only a political solution" may yield enduring peace and security, articulated through the vision of a viable Palestinian state coexisting peacefully alongside Israel.

On issues surrounding the Gaza war, the declaration asserts an immediate end to hostilities and requests that Hamas release all hostages. It also advocates for key actions such as the return of remains, prisoner exchanges, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Additionally, it shows support for ongoing mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. aimed at fostering a lasting peace agreement.

Following a ceasefire, the declaration proposes forming a transitional committee to operate in Gaza under the Palestinian Authority's auspices. It also condemns violence from both sides, stating that assaults by Hamas on civilians during the October 7 incident, as well as Israeli attacks on civilian infrastructure in Gaza, have led to a catastrophic humanitarian situation.

In response to the declaration, Israel rejected it outright, emphasizing its ongoing mission to eliminate Hamas and return hostages. Israeli U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon remarked that mere recognition or a U.N. resolution would not discourage their campaign against terrorism. The U.S. also distanced itself from the conference, describing it as "unproductive and ill-timed," asserting that such initiatives could hinder genuine peace efforts and embolden factions like Hamas.