Israel-Palestine conflict: Efforts needed to ensure long-term peace and stability

In recent days, a growing number of countries have recognised the State of Palestine, contributing to a positive wave of international support for the Palestinian people amid their ongoing hardships. This international recognition is seen as a vital step toward ensuring lasting peace and regional stability in the Middle East.

A scene of devastation following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

On July 31, Saudi Arabia officially welcomed Portugal’s announcement that it would begin procedures to recognise the State of Palestine in September.

In a statement made by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 31, this positive move is considered as a significant step that supports the two-state solution and the broader peace process. Saudi Arabia also urged the international community to take similar actions to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the region.

Sharing this stance, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Iraq expressed strong support for the recent wave of recognition for Palestine. During talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reaffirmed Australia’s strong backing for the two-state solution. He stressed the need to leverage growing international momentum to ensure a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, secure the release of all hostages, and accelerate humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza.

In the latest development, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Canada’s intention to recognise the State of Palestine at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session in September. Canada joins other Western countries such as France and the UK, which have recently made similar commitments.

According to the news agency Wafa, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas spoke with PM Carney by phone, welcoming Canada’s “historic move”, which he said would promote peace, security, and stability in the region.

However, Israel has voiced strong opposition to Canada’s plans. More than 140 countries currently recognise Palestine, the US remains absent from this list. At a recent UN-hosted conference in New York focused on peacefully resolving the Palestine issue and implementing the two-state solution, France and 14 other nations renewed their call for global recognition of the State of Palestine - prompting several additional countries to declare their support.

According to Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norway and Palestine signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in New York aimed at strengthening cooperation and mutual understanding. This follows Norway’s official recognition of the State of Palestine in May 2024, marking a significant milestone in the long-standing relationship between the two sides.

The MOU is expected to foster stronger cooperation and closer dialogue between Norway and Palestine both bilaterally and in international forums. Since early 2024, 10 countries have officially recognised Palestine, including Ireland, Norway, Spain, and Armenia.

Egypt praised this momentum, calling it “a remarkable shift” in the positions of key international actors. A statement from Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the growing wave of recognition as “a coordinated and appropriate move” by the international community to support the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. Egypt also urged other nations to join the movement in order to reinforce the credibility of a rules-based international order and uphold the principles of international humanitarian law.

As the devastating conflict in Gaza continues, displacing millions and exacerbating humanitarian crises, the two-state solution is increasingly seen as the only viable path toward lasting peace, stability, and security in the region. Advocates argue that the solution addresses the root causes of the Israel - Palestine conflict.

This vision, rooted in peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and equal rights, is regarded as the most promising path to ending the conflict and ushering the region into a new era of prosperity and integration.

NDO