NEW YORK: As the world watches in horror the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, international efforts to revive the long-stalled two-state solution for Israel and Palestine are intensifying.

A landmark conference, jointly chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, will be held July 28-30 at the United Nations in New York, aiming to chart a path toward peace and a sovereign Palestinian state.

Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, spoke with Arab News on Pakistan’s unwavering support for this initiative and the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The upcoming conference seeks to reinvigorate the stalled peace process by focusing on concrete steps toward establishing two independent states, Israel and Palestine.

Delegates from key nations and international bodies will converge on the UN headquarters to discuss ceasefire arrangements, humanitarian access, reconstruction efforts and political recognition of Palestine.

Dar emphasized Pakistan’s long-standing position on the Palestinian issue.

“You see, this issue has become already too late to handle,” Dar said. “The attempt by France and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is very appreciable. These two countries have taken this initiative. Pakistan has a clear foreign policy for decades, that the two-state solution is the only answer to the Palestine problem.”

Dar laid out Pakistan’s hopes for the summit: “I hope that serious efforts are made during this event, first, to secure an immediate ceasefire, and second, to ensure the unhindered flow of food, humanitarian aid and medical assistance — alongside progress toward the recognition of Palestine as an independent state.”

The event comes amid escalating violence and mounting international concern, with many legal experts and humanitarian organizations increasingly describing the situation in Gaza as a genocide.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen. The enclave has for almost two years now suffered relentless airstrikes and ground incursions, resulting in thousands of civilian casualties, widespread destruction of infrastructure, and critical shortages of food, water and medical supplies, with international organizations now warning of a looming full-scale famine.

Acknowledging the devastating conditions in Gaza, Dar described the conference’s potential success: “If we are able to achieve all these objectives, it will be a great success and a highly commendable contribution by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and France.”

Beyond diplomatic support, Pakistan has been actively contributing to humanitarian relief. Dar detailed ongoing efforts: “Since the onset of this crisis nearly two years ago, we have, in a humble way, been making efforts to send humanitarian consignments. Initially focused on Gaza, these efforts were later extended to Syria and Lebanon as well.”

He underscored Pakistan’s principled stance: “We fully support the Palestinian cause and their right to self-determination — specifically, the establishment of an independent and contiguous state of Palestine with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, based on the pre-1967 borders.”

“Our stance has been consistently clear, and we adhere to it with unwavering commitment. We have openly condemned the oppressor and consistently called for accountability,” he added.

Dar also stressed the importance of international law: “We believe that all United Nations resolutions — particularly those of the Security Council, which is responsible for maintaining global peace and security — must be implemented. If these resolutions are respected, the solution becomes clear and achievable.”

On Pakistan’s coordination with Saudi Arabia and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Dar said: “We seize every opportunity to raise our voice in support of our Palestinian brothers and sisters, whether at the UN General Assembly or the UN Security Council.”

Highlighting Pakistan’s role as president of the UN Security Council in July 2025, he noted, “I chaired the open debate on Palestine yesterday, July 24. Pakistan’s position is absolutely clear — we are firmly on the right side of history and remain steadfast in our support.”

He drew parallels with Kashmir, saying: “We actively engage through all relevant forums — the OIC, G-8, SCO and others — to raise the issues of both Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir, which are decades-old disputes. In the case of Jammu and Kashmir, India has acted in clear violation of UN Security Council and other international resolutions. Similarly, in the case of Palestine, the core problem remains the same: a lack of respect for UN resolutions.”

With the Middle East’s volatility rising, and the shadow of conflict spreading, Pakistan plans to leverage its UN Security Council presidency to advocate diplomacy over violence. “The solution to conflicts does not lie in kinetic actions — wars and violence. The real path forward is through dialogue and diplomacy, and we are firm believers in this approach,” Dar asserted.

He highlighted a recent Security Council open debate under Pakistan’s presidency on the “peaceful settlement of disputes,” which achieved a rare consensus.

“This resolution outlines the role that multilateral institutions should play, reflecting what we aim to achieve. For example, on my wish list — may Allah make it a reality soon — is an immediate ceasefire, followed by the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Gaza.”

He acknowledged the scale of destruction, saying: “The destruction is massive. (Gaza) has been virtually raised to the ground.”

Dar stressed Pakistan’s willingness to contribute to post-conflict reconstruction, leveraging its expertise: “The Arab League and the OIC are committed, and as members of the OIC, we will contribute whatever expertise we have — in health care, education, governance and more — to support our brothers and sisters.”

When asked about accountability for alleged war crimes and violations in Gaza, Dar was unequivocal.

“Pakistan has already raised its voice in OIC and other forums,” he said. “Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Shahbaz Sharif, and myself as deputy prime minister and foreign minister of Pakistan, we have been raising this voice very clearly and been putting the blame where it should be by name.”

Noting the limited impact of past international judicial rulings, Dar added, “Now, when it comes to action and accountability, we both know that the International Court of Justice delivered its (decision) last year, but unfortunately, it was largely ignored.”

He emphasized the urgency of reform: “This is where the international law and order is breaking down. That’s why we believe UN reforms are crucial, and the initiative of the UN secretary-general — UN80 — is highly relevant.”

Dar lamented the targeting of journalists covering the conflict: “Journalists are also paying a heavy price in Israel. They have been declared persona non grata and targeted, with many losing their lives. This is deeply unfortunate, and this genocide must end as soon as possible.”