Civil society groups urge G7 to uphold two-state solution as Paris conference concludes

Israeli and Palestinian civil society groups convened in Paris on Friday to urge the international community to maintain its pursuit of a two-state solution, warning that the window for a diplomatic resolution is rapidly closing. The gathering, which brought together foreign ministers and senior officials from dozens of nations, concluded with the adoption of an eight-point "Call for Action" outlining a framework for peace and reconstruction.

The plan demands a permanent ceasefire, an immediate halt to settlement expansion, the reconstruction of Gaza, governance reforms, and enhanced international support for civil society organisations. Delegates emphasised that the region continues to fracture, citing settler violence, de facto annexation, and threats to the Palestinian Authority as factors undermining the viability of a future Palestinian state. The document is scheduled to be presented to G7 leaders when they convene in the French Alps from Monday.

France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot addressed the 250 civil society representatives from both sides, stating that France refuses to allow the side of war to prevail over peace. He acknowledged the gravity of the situation, noting that while reasons to give up exist, the testimonies of those present provide grounds for hope and continued action. The conference marked the one-year anniversary of the UN-backed New York Declaration, which established a roadmap towards Palestinian statehood and prompted recognition by around a dozen countries, including France, Britain, and Canada.

The diplomatic efforts occurred against a backdrop of escalating violence by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank and growing international criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. Diplomats have expressed concern over Israel’s plan to build a settlement east of Jerusalem, known as the E1 project, which would bisect the West Bank and sever its connection to East Jerusalem, effectively fragmenting territory sought for an independent state. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the two-state solution as the only viable path to lasting peace, while highlighting the alarming pace of illegal settlement expansion.

In a coordinated move to address the violence, Britain, Canada, France, and Norway announced new sanctions on Tuesday against Israeli networks involved in financing and enabling violence in the occupied West Bank. Despite the broad international attendance, Israel and the United States declined to participate in the Paris meeting. An Israeli embassy statement described the conference as unrelated to promoting peace and reiterated that the Palestinians have previously rejected proposals for a Palestinian state on five occasions.