Everybody benefits from sustainable peace in the Middle East, says former UNGA president

Many officials stress that lasting peace requires serious discussions on a two-state solution

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The time has come to implement UN resolutions recognising Palestine as a state, said Maria Fernanda Espinosa, former president of the UN General Assembly.

“I have lost track of how many resolutions have passed through the General Assembly addressing this long-standing, protracted and unresolved conflict. I think it is about time for implementation,” Ms Espinosa told The National on Wednesday at the Raisina Middle East conference in Abu Dhabi.

A fragile truce between Israel and Hamas was brokered earlier this month, pausing more than a year of war that killed over 47,100 Palestinians and caused widespread destruction. Israel launched its assault after the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 250 taken hostage.

Many officials say that lasting peace in the Middle East requires serious discussions on a two-state solution.

“We don't need to come up with anything revolutionary or new. There are international laws, mandates and commitments from the vast majority of UN members, calling for a two-state solution and peace in the Middle East,” said Ms Espinosa.

The complex, multiphase ceasefire, was enabled by the US and other mediators. However, after the inauguration of Donald Trump last week, the US President rescinded sanctions imposed by the previous Biden administration on far-right Israeli settler groups and people accused of violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. He also called for Egypt and Jordan to take in Palestinians from Gaza.

“Who is going to benefit from real, sustainable and durable peace in the Middle East? The answer is everybody. I have heard Donald Trump wants peace. The way you build peace is by bringing all the parties together, ensuring that everyone makes compromises, and reaching an agreement that benefits those who have suffered,” said Ms Espinosa.

Displaced Palestinian children and a woman make their way from the south to the northern parts of Gaza. AFP

She emphasised the importance of a balanced approach: “We have a shared responsibility. If we want peace, it needs to be a people-centred peace – one that benefits all parties equally.”

Mr Trump signed this month an executive order titled “Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements”, directing the US to withdraw from the Paris Agreement and other international climate commitments.

Mr Trump also signed another executive order titled “Withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organisation”, initiating the process for the US to formally exit the WHO.

These decisions prompted widespread questions about their potential global impact.

“The environmental crisis we are facing is directly affecting and harming people,” said Ms Espinosa. “Sometimes, we focus too much on institutions and legal or normative frameworks. As diplomats, especially at the negotiation table, we tend to do this. But we often forget to ask: who are the people involved in this?"

“Climate change and its impacts do not respect borders. Nature doesn’t understand what a national border is. It’s a global crisis, and science has repeatedly proven this. The UAE has hosted a very successful COP, and I had the privilege of serving on its advisory committee. It demonstrated that when the world comes together, incredible things can happen,” she added.