In a broad display of regional alignment, foreign ministers from the Group of Twenty (G20) voiced near-universal backing for a two-state framework as the sole viable path to resolving the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This consensus emerged from discussions led by Mauru Vieira, the head of Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who underscored a shared concern among participants regarding the current state of affairs in the Gaza Strip and the broader risk of regional spillover in the Middle East. The gathering, which spanned two days, highlighted a common worry about how the crisis could evolve if not addressed decisively and humanitarian access remains constrained. (Attribution: Reuters)
Vieira stressed that there was almost unanimous agreement that a two-state outcome must serve as the endpoint of efforts to achieve lasting peace. He noted that the ministers called for immediate measures to halt hostilities and to create safe corridors for humanitarian relief into Gaza, enabling much-needed aid to reach civilians in need. He also indicated that several G20 members criticized Israeli authorities for the strikes conducted in the town of Rafah, signaling a broad call for accountability and restraint in the protection of civilians. (Attribution: Reuters)
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell contributed to the discussion by describing an persistent demand among participants for a Palestinian state. He articulated the view that genuine peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved without the hopeful prospect of statehood for the Palestinian people, framing the two-state solution as essential to unlocking regional stability. (Attribution: Reuters)
In parallel, officials noted that Israel had recently taken domestic steps related to its policy toward Palestinian statehood. Specifically, the cabinet had reaffirmed its position against establishing a Palestinian state, signaling continued debate within Israel over the path to resolution and the terms that might accompany any permanent settlement. This domestic dimension was acknowledged as a factor shaping regional diplomacy and the pace of forthcoming negotiations. (Attribution: Reuters)