High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution
New York, 28 JULY 2025
Mr. President, Excellencies,
I would like to thank the co-hosts France and Saudi Arabia for re-convening this Conference. Their vision and leadership are to be applauded.
Cyprus has been actively supporting the coordinated initiative of the “Global Alliance” from the beginning. This Conference today is the pinnacle of intensive preparatory meetings in the last year and action-based results in the respective Working Groups.
Excellencies,
Our participation is testament to Cyprus’ resolve to address the political and humanitarian catastrophe unfolding.
Last week we joined over two dozen countries in a Joint Statement underscoring how the suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths, and unequivocally opposing any steps towards territorial or demographic change in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
What is happening on the humanitarian front is unacceptable. We call for immediate, unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance at scale into and throughout Gaza and for humanitarian organisations to work independently and impartially to save lives and reduce suffering.
The path to peace, stability and security in the Middle East is the only way forward. A vision in which Israelis and Palestinians coexist in dignity and prosperity, side-by-side, in a two-state solution.
There is no other alternative.
Building also on previous proposals, including the Arab Peace Initiative, to lending a new momentum.
Every step that reconnects the common denominators to meet the legitimate aspirations and security needs of both Palestinians and Israelis must be encouraged.
Let me underscore that Cyprus has recognized the State of Palestine since 1988.
We have a long-standing position in line with international law, whilst always trying to act as a bridge for regional stability.
This is a fundamental premise from which we have never deviated.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The October 7 terrorist attacks and the outbreak of the war in Gaza, has caused immense human suffering.
Prolonging the political deadlock and endangering an unprecedented regional confrontation must be prevented.
Our principled stance has been consistent:
- We condemn all attacks against all civilians who must be always protected in accordance with International Humanitarian Law.
- Immediate and sustained regional de-escalation is imperative.
- The situation on the ground is deteriorating daily. We cannot overemphasize the urgency of a lasting ceasefire. We cannot overemphasize the imperative for the immediate release of all hostages.
- To this end, we welcome the critical and sustained efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to achieve a ceasefire agreement.
- Equally paramount is for Israel to comply with all its obligations by lifting restrictions to enable the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid throughout Gaza, at scale, in line with the humanitarian principles. We exert our full support to the intensified engagement of the EU with Israel for yielding substantial progress on the ground for the civilians for which the role of the UN humanitarian community is indisputable.
Cyprus is ready to do its part complementing the efforts and actions of others in alleviating the suffering. The humanitarian maritime route can be reactivated for additional, urgently-needed assistance.
We are also unequivocally against displacement.
In this regard we welcome the Arab Recovery and Reconstruction Plan as a solid basis for further discussion on governance, security and funding.
Excellencies,
During his visit to Israel and Palestine in early May, President Christodoulides firmly conveyed these messages.
The preceding steps to move away from the horrors of the war must be interlinked with a set of basic political understandings.
Let me outline the following points:
- The legitimate Palestinian cause must not and cannot, be associated with terrorist groups or acts. Terrorism can never have an excuse. We believe that Hamas cannot have any future role in Gaza. But at the same time, we must not forget that Hamas is not the Palestinian people.
- The West Bank must not become the next battlefield. Settlement expansion and settler violence undermine the prospects of a viable way out of the crisis.
- Given the gravity of the situation on the ground it is paramount to continue our support to the Palestinian Authority’s reform pathway. Revamping the PA: politically, financially and through technical means in order to assist it in assuming also its responsibilities in Gaza. Cyprus is fully committed to this, particularly in view of our upcoming Presidency of the EU on first-half of 2026.
- A Palestinian state with the West Bank & Gaza as integral parts of it, and East Jerusalem as its capital living side by side in peace & security, with Israel is the aim.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am confident that this High Level International Conference can further create the conditions necessary for a peaceful resolution of the conflict through effective and sustained diplomacy.
It is a complex task but an urgent one. And it is never too late.
A peaceful Middle East will represent a new era that is so desperately needed.
It will also deliver an ambitious source of opportunities for a more prosperous, more interconnected and more integrated region with mutual benefits for all of its people and beyond.
Thank you.