Palestinian and Israeli civil society organizations convened in Paris, issuing an urgent appeal to the G7 nations for robust support of a two-state solution, warning that the "window of opportunity" for achieving this outcome is rapidly closing.
The meeting, held ahead of next week's G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, was attended by the European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, and representatives from Brazil, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey. The participating groups emphasized that both Israelis and Palestinians are enduring significant fear, insecurity, and trauma.
In a joint statement, the organizations implored G7 leaders to take immediate diplomatic action. "The window for a solution remains open; but it is narrowing," the statement read. "This moment requires urgent diplomacy, grounded in partnership with civil society."
The proposed eight-point action plan calls for a permanent ceasefire, tangible progress towards a two-state solution, and an immediate cessation of settlement expansion in the occupied territories. France, through its Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, reiterated its commitment to the two-state solution, deeming the current year potentially "decisive."
This advocacy comes against a backdrop of significant geopolitical tension. The Israeli government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed strong opposition to an independent Palestinian state. The conflict, reignited by Hamas's October 7th attack, continues to cause widespread devastation in Gaza, with persistent accusations of ceasefire violations by both Israel and Hamas, and a stalled peace process.
