UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK (BN24) — In a sweeping and unprecedented diplomatic initiative, the Arab League, the European Union, and 17 additional countries have formally called on Hamas to disarm and relinquish its control over the Gaza Strip, marking a significant shift in the global consensus on resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The joint declaration, signed at a United Nations conference co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France, represents the first time leading Arab and Muslim nations—including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt—have publicly demanded that Hamas surrender its weapons and transfer authority in Gaza to the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority.
Backed by all 22 members of the Arab League, the entire European Union bloc, and a wide coalition of other nations, the statement calls for unified governance across Palestinian territories under the Palestinian Authority, reinforced by international oversight and assistance. The declaration outlines that effective law enforcement and territorial administration should rest solely with the Palestinian Authority, with the ultimate goal of establishing a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel.
Describing the agreement as “unprecedented,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized that this is the first occasion where Saudi Arabia and other Arab states have not only condemned the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel but also openly advocated for the group’s disarmament. The statement includes an endorsement for the deployment of a temporary international stabilization force in Gaza, operating under UN auspices, upon the formal invitation of the Palestinian Authority. Several signatory nations have already expressed readiness to contribute personnel to such a mission.
Qatar and Egypt—longtime mediators in the conflict—continue to serve as communication bridges between Hamas and Israel. However, both countries, along with Saudi Arabia, now align with a regional strategy that seeks to sideline Hamas politically and militarily in favor of long-term governance by the Palestinian Authority.
Earlier this year, Egypt unveiled a post-war transition plan for Gaza, excluding Hamas entirely. That plan proposed a temporary administrative body to manage day-to-day governance of the enclave, eventually transferring power to the Palestinian Authority—a concept now reinforced by the broader international consensus expressed in the UN declaration.
The move comes as Saudi Arabia continues to champion the revival of the long-stalled Two-State Solution. France has declared it will officially recognize a Palestinian state by September, a position echoed by the United Kingdom, which has warned it may follow suit unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire. These diplomatic positions have drawn sharp criticism from Israel and the United States, both of whom remain wary of international recognition of Palestinian statehood in the absence of a negotiated agreement.
Despite growing international pressure and increasing diplomatic isolation, Hamas leadership has shown no clear intent to step down or disarm. Statements from the group in recent months have been inconsistent, with no definitive commitment to relinquishing control over Gaza or integrating into a unified Palestinian political framework.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains staunchly opposed to the Two-State Solution, citing security risks and ongoing threats from Hamas and other militant factions. His government has rejected the notion of international involvement in Gaza’s post-war governance, insisting on full Israeli security oversight.
The declaration’s unprecedented scale and breadth of support underscore a potential turning point in global efforts to resolve the Gaza crisis and revitalize prospects for lasting peace in the region.
