Two-State Solution ‘Only Answer,’ Says Pakistan’s Deputy PM Ahead of Landmark New York Peace Summit

As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens and global outrage mounts, international efforts to revive the long-stalled two-state solution for Israel and Palestine are accelerating. A major diplomatic conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, is set to take place in New York City from July 28 to 30, aiming to pave the way toward lasting peace and Palestinian statehood.

Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, speaking to Arab News, reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast support for the initiative and underscored the urgency of ending the violence and addressing Gaza’s dire humanitarian needs.

“This issue has long been neglected,” Dar said. “The effort by France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is highly commendable. Pakistan has maintained a consistent foreign policy for decades — that a two-state solution is the only viable path to peace.”

The upcoming conference, to be held at the United Nations headquarters, will bring together diplomats and representatives from key countries and international bodies. Discussions are expected to focus on securing an immediate ceasefire, facilitating humanitarian access, rebuilding Gaza, and advancing formal recognition of a Palestinian state.

Dar outlined Pakistan’s expectations for the summit: “We hope the conference prioritizes three key objectives — a ceasefire, the unimpeded delivery of food, aid, and medical assistance, and real progress toward recognizing Palestine as a sovereign, independent state.”

The conference comes at a critical juncture. Gaza continues to reel under near-continuous airstrikes and ground assaults, now in their second year. Civilian casualties are mounting, essential infrastructure has been decimated, and acute shortages of food, clean water, and medical care are pushing the population toward famine. Humanitarian groups and legal experts are increasingly warning that conditions in the besieged enclave may amount to genocide.

“The situation in Gaza is nothing short of catastrophic,” Dar said. “If this summit achieves its objectives, it would mark a significant breakthrough — and an admirable effort by both Saudi Arabia and France in the service of peace and justice.”

As global powers prepare to meet, expectations are high that this initiative may finally inject momentum into a peace process that has been stalled for years — and bring renewed hope to a region scarred by decades of conflict.