International demands to activate the second phase of the Gaza war ceasefire and recognize the Palestinian state

Sigrid Kaag, a member of the Executive Council stemming from the Gaza Peace Council, stressed the urgent need to immediately implement the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in the Strip. Kaag explained during her participation in a dialogue session at the Munich Security Conference that the success of this step primarily depends on the availability of international political will and the necessary pressure to ensure adherence to the agreed-upon provisions.

The international official warned of the catastrophic consequences of the continued cycles of armed conflict, for which innocent civilians in Gaza are increasingly paying the price. She indicated that the international community is called upon to act seriously to end this humanitarian suffering, considering that the collective failure to protect the most vulnerable groups necessitates a radical transformation in the mechanisms for dealing with the Palestinian issue.

Regarding thorny issues, Kaag called for caution in dealing with the clause on disarming the Hamas movement, describing it as the most complex clause in the second phase of the agreement. She justified this position by linking weapons to people's dignity and lives in the current circumstances, emphasizing that the implementation of this clause must be subject to the discretion of the Executive Council members to ensure its application at the appropriate time, away from the desires of the conflicting parties only.

Kaag affirmed that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state is an inherent right guaranteed by international law and UN resolutions, and not a grant or 'prize' offered in exchange for certain political behaviors. She categorically rejected using this right as a tool for intimidation or as a 'carrot' in the negotiation process, calling for empowering Palestinians to lead their political path themselves to build a sustainable state away from guardianship or conditions.

For his part, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan outlined a roadmap for the next phase, starting with an immediate ceasefire and ensuring the stability of the Strip. Bin Farhan stressed that the top priority lies in launching comprehensive reconstruction operations, to be a starting point for a clear and irreversible political path that guarantees the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the establishment of their state.

The Saudi minister explained that sustainable peace in the Middle East will only be achieved through the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. He pointed to a growing international conviction that peaceful coexistence requires respect for the national and political rights of Palestinians, affirming the Kingdom's support for the '20-point plan' aimed at ending the conflict and achieving regional stability.

In a related context, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide revealed diplomatic moves led by his country in coordination with Saudi Arabia and Arab and European parties to recognize the Palestinian state. Eide explained that this approach aims to recognize Palestine without waiting for the final results of the stalled negotiations, in order to break the political stalemate and ensure that the current war does not end without a comprehensive solution.

The Norwegian minister strongly criticized reliance on bilateral negotiations that have proven their failure over the years, especially in light of the continuous obstruction by Benjamin Netanyahu's governments. Eide considered that granting Israel veto power over Palestinian rights has become a major obstacle to peace, which necessitates proactive international action to impose a new political reality that ends the historical conflict.

Establishing a Palestinian state is a right for Palestinians, not a prize granted in exchange for certain behavior, and it should not be used as a tool for intimidation in negotiations.