Algeria Urges Renewed Focus on Two-State Solution for Lasting Middle East Peace
New York – Algeria has strongly advocated for a revitalized commitment to the two-state solution as the foundational step towards achieving a comprehensive and enduring peace in the Middle East. Speaking before the UN security Council during its monthly discussion on the situation in the region and the Palestinian question, Algeria’s assistant Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Mr. Toufik Laid Koudri, emphasized the critical need for concrete action leading to the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The Urgency of a Palestinian State
Mr.Koudri underscored that resolving the Palestinian issue is not merely a matter of justice, but a fundamental prerequisite for regional stability. He highlighted the escalating tensions and cycles of violence that continue to plague the region, directly linking them to the unresolved status of the Palestinian people. Recent data from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) indicates a significant increase in settler violence in the West Bank, with a 72% rise in incidents reported in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year. This underscores the deteriorating security situation and the urgent need for a political horizon.
Addressing Obstacles to Peace
The Algerian diplomat argued that genuine progress requires addressing the core issues at the heart of the conflict. These include the final status of Jerusalem, the right of return for Palestinian refugees – currently numbering over 5.9 million registered with UNRWA – and the establishment of secure and recognized borders. He cautioned against unilateral actions that undermine the prospects for a negotiated settlement, such as continued settlement expansion, which the International Court of Justice has deemed illegal under international law.
Instead of focusing solely on managing the conflict, Mr. Koudri called for a proactive approach centered on creating the conditions for a viable Palestinian state. This includes lifting restrictions on Palestinian movement and economic advancement, fostering good governance, and empowering Palestinian institutions. He drew a parallel to the Dayton Accords in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where international intervention and sustained commitment were crucial in establishing a framework for peace after years of conflict.
The Importance of International Consensus
Algeria stressed the importance of a unified international stance in support of the two-state solution. Mr. Koudri urged the security Council to move beyond rhetorical statements and adopt concrete measures to hold all parties accountable for their actions and to incentivize constructive engagement. He emphasized that a lasting peace cannot be imposed from the outside, but requires the genuine commitment of both Israelis and Palestinians, facilitated by a robust and impartial international framework.
The current impasse, he argued, risks further radicalization and instability, potentially drawing in regional and international actors. Algeria remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights and aspirations, and will continue to advocate for a just and comprehensive resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.