International consensus in support of negotiated two-state solution

Published: 17 January 2017

Last updated: 4 March 2024

On 15 January 2017, 74 countries and international organisations met in Paris to reaffirm support for ‘a just, lasting and comprehensive resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict’ and for a two-state solution negotiated by the parties. They also highlighted the potential for economic and other benefits for both parties that could result from a peace agreement. In apparent alignment with the Netanyahu government’s rejectionist position, and reportedly to appease US President-elect Donald Trump, the UK attended as an observer only and did not sign the Joint Declaration. It also subsequently blocked EU endorsement of the conference communique. Australia was represented but its foreign minister has since said that does not mean it agrees with every element of the communique.

The Israeli government and various right-wingers have sought to disparage the conference as biased and pointless. Read here the full text of the Joint Declaration adopted at the Paris Middle East Peace Conference and judge for yourself.

And see:

Trump was the elephant in the room at the Paris Peace Conference – Barak Ravid – Haaretz 16.01.17
Fear of what the president-elect's inauguration will bring was evident in many of the foreign ministers’ speeches; the question that hovered in the air was whether this would be the last peace conference for the next four years.

Two-thirds of Israelis still back two-state solution, J Street poll finds – Judy Maltz – Haaretz 15.01.17
Even among voters from the right-wing Likud and Kulanu parties, most prefer separation to annexation.

UK refuses to sign Paris declaration, warns summit may harden Palestinian positions – Raphael Ahren – The Times of Israel 15.01.17
Breaking ranks with more than 70 other nations, London laments that confab held without Israelis and Palestinians, ‘just days before transition to new US president’