The Gaza War Resurrects the Two-State Solution as the Preferred Formula for Peace
The Gaza war, with its nearly 30,000 deaths, has brought the two-state solution to the forefront as the preferred formula for ending hostilities and resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. At a meeting of the G-20 foreign ministers in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), there was “virtual unanimity” in support of the two-state solution as “the only possible solution,” according to Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira.
The head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, emphasized that “Israel cannot have veto power” over the creation of a Palestinian State. This comes after 99 of the 120 deputies of the Israeli Parliament rejected the recognition of a Palestinian State outside of a negotiation between the parties in conflict.
The G-20, which brings together the 19 largest economies in the world, together with the EU and the African Union, dedicated part of the meeting to discussing the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. However, the first day was particularly devoted to the discussions surrounding the two-state solution.
Josep Borrell maintains that there is a broad consensus within the G-20 around the idea that creating a Palestinian State alongside Israel is the framework to illuminate a solution. The G-20 insists that there will be no peace and no sustainable security for Israel unless the Palestinians have a clear political perspective of building their own State.
The meeting ended without a joint statement, but Brazilian Foreign Minister Vieira explained that several countries have requested the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas in the Palestinian strip and called on Israel to reconsider its decision to invade the Rafah area.
Additionally, there is evidence of a consensus within the G-20 to reform multilateral organizations such as the UN Security Council. Brazil’s priorities for the rotating presidency of the G-20 also include fighting hunger, poverty, and promoting the energy transition.