International Coalition for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution

Dr. Dalal Saeb Erekat

At a pivotal juncture in the history of the Palestinian cause, and 20 months after the genocide, the international coalition for a two-state solution presents a rare opportunity to revive the political process and salvage what remains of hope for achieving justice and peace. In this context, we cannot but commend the pioneering role of France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in their efforts to restore momentum to the political initiative and push for broader recognition of the Palestinian state, reflecting a sincere commitment to the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter.
However, recognition of the Palestinian state, despite its symbolic and diplomatic significance, must not remain a mere formality. Rather, it must be coupled with concrete measures that ensure a complete ceasefire throughout the occupied Palestinian territory, from Gaza to the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Recognizing a state without protecting its citizens from daily killings and ongoing aggression empties the concept of its meaning and perpetuates the reality of occupation at the expense of Palestinian sovereignty.
In contrast, member states of the international community must work in parallel to define the borders of the State of Israel, given that clear borders are a prerequisite for any just settlement. Moreover, ending the military occupation and halting settlement activity, in accordance with the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice in July 2024, is no longer merely a moral choice, but a legal obligation that must be implemented.
On the bilateral level, Israel's continued impunity, despite all the crimes documented by human rights organizations and international courts, constitutes a fatal flaw in the international order. It is unacceptable that a state that systematically violates human rights and international humanitarian law continues to enjoy normal relations with the world as if nothing had happened. Accordingly, states that recognize Palestine are urged to take bolder steps:
• Imposing sanctions on settlers involved in crimes against Palestinians and all settlers as illegal.
• Banning commercial dealings with settlements, including goods, products, and services, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2334, which considered settlements illegal and an obstacle to peace.
• Preventing its citizens who hold Israeli citizenship from residing in the settlements, considering this a legal violation punishable by law.
• Preventing its citizens from serving in the occupation army, which commits violations that amount to crimes against humanity, according to the definitions of international law and the Genocide Convention.
• Stop arms exports to Israel, as weapons supplied under the pretext of defense are used in genocide and field executions of Palestinian civilians.
• Imposing sanctions on the current Israeli government, given that its impunity is a major reason for the continuation of crimes and violations.
• Full commitment to the decisions of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, and implementation of their outcomes as they are legally binding on every member state of the international system.
Continuing diplomatic rhetoric without real action on the ground will only further erode Palestinian confidence and undermine any belief in peaceful solutions. How can a people suffering from settlements, oppression, racism, daily arrests and executions be convinced of the international community's seriousness in advancing peace unless ordinary citizens witness tangible change in their daily lives and actual diplomatic action?
Studies have shown that persistent injustice and loss of hope are fundamental factors driving extremism. This is not in the interest of any party, neither regional nor international. The entire region needs true stability, and this stability can only be achieved through justice, accountability, and full respect for human rights and international law.
Finally, the international coalition for a two-state solution is not merely a diplomatic umbrella, but a true test of the international community's will to end the longest occupation in modern history and restore confidence in the ability of the international system to achieve justice and preserve peace. Let recognition be the beginning of a clear path, not an end in itself.
In this context, the distribution of working groups in preparation for the New York conference represents an important organizational step that reflects the growing seriousness in formulating implementation mechanisms for the two-state solution. The allocation of specialized groups—covering political, legal, economic, security, and humanitarian aspects—enables us to move beyond general rhetoric toward the development of a realistic plan based on precise implementation tools that take into account the challenges on the ground. However, the success of these groups depends on two essential factors: first, effective representation of the Palestinian position, ensuring that the initiative does not turn into a roadmap or a new process from the series of negotiations we have witnessed over the past four decades; and second, the commitment of the participating states to the outcomes of these groups and the transformation of their recommendations into binding practical political and legal measures. Without such commitment, the groups remain merely a technical framework.
In light of the changes we are witnessing in the new Middle East, what is required is a political will that adheres to international law and is capable of transforming collective action into a corrective path that addresses the essence of the conflict, not just its manifestations or containment. This requires starting with ending the Israeli military occupation and implementing concrete actions to demonstrate the seriousness of the initiative.