Von der Leyen calls two-state solution ‘only realistic peace plan,’ pledges new Gaza rebuilding fund

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called on world leaders at the International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine in New York to revive a two-state solution as “the only realistic peace plan.”

von der Leyen said the devastation in Gaza has made clear that ending the fighting alone will not bring stability. “Because the only realistic peace plan is based on two states. With a secure Israel, a viable Palestinian state, and the scourge of Hamas removed,” she said.

The European Union has provided €1.6 billion in support for the Palestinian Authority since the war began, von der Leyen noted, but said more must be done to prevent the authority’s collapse. She announced that the EU would establish a Palestine Donor Group and a dedicated fund for Gaza’s reconstruction, in coordination with other international partners.

“Gaza must be rebuilt. The Palestinian economy must be relaunched.” she said, urging other governments to join the effort.

Von der Leyen emphasiSed that only Israelis and Palestinians themselves can decide the terms of a peace agreement, but argued that the international community has a responsibility to “facilitate, … rebuild, … most importantly, keep hope alive.”

Her remarks came as global diplomats continue to debate how to secure a postwar settlement and ensure that Gaza can recover once a ceasefire is reached.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English