UN Convenes Emergency Summit on Gaza Conflict Amid Devastating Toll of 65,000 Lives Lost

UN General Assembly to Convene Special Summit on Gaza Conflict The United Nations General Assembly will hold a special summit on Monday in New York to address the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, where more than 65,000 people have been killed, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry. The meeting is part of a diplomatic effort led by France and Saudi Arabia to revive the two-state solution, which would see Israelis and Palestinians coexist as separate states. Several countries, including France, Canada, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Australia, Luxembourg, and Malta, have announced they will recognize Palestine as a state at Monday's meeting. This move is seen as a response to Israel's military campaign in Gaza, which has been widely condemned by the international community. "This recognition is not just about politics; it's about humanity," said French President Emmanuel Macron in a statement. "We cannot stand idly by while innocent civilians are being killed on a massive scale." The two-state solution has been the cornerstone of international efforts to resolve the decades-long conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. However, the idea has faced significant challenges, including Israeli settlement expansion and Palestinian divisions. In 2012, the UN General Assembly voted to upgrade Palestine's status to non-member observer state, but this move was met with opposition from Israel and some countries in the international community. The current crisis in Gaza has sparked renewed calls for recognition of a Palestinian state. The UN's Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory has concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. "We urge all member states to recognize Palestine as a sovereign state," said Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. "This is not just about politics; it's about justice and human rights." The special summit will bring together representatives from over 150 countries to discuss the crisis in Gaza and potential solutions. The meeting is expected to be a key moment in the international community's efforts to address the conflict. In addition to recognizing Palestine as a state, several countries have also pledged to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza. The European Union has announced an additional €100 million in funding for humanitarian projects in the region. As the international community grapples with the crisis in Gaza, many are left wondering what recognition of a Palestinian state will actually achieve. While some see it as a crucial step towards resolving the conflict, others argue that it is merely a symbolic gesture. "It's a necessary step, but it's not enough," said Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, a Palestinian politician and human rights activist. "We need to see concrete actions from Israel to end its occupation and allow Palestinians to live with dignity." The special summit in New York will be closely watched by the international community as it seeks to address one of the most pressing issues of our time. Background: The conflict between Israelis and Palestinians has been ongoing for decades, with both sides claiming a right to the same land. The two-state solution has been the cornerstone of international efforts to resolve the conflict, but it has faced significant challenges. Israel's military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 65,000 people, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry. Additional Perspectives: "Recognition of Palestine as a state is not just about politics; it's about humanity," said French President Emmanuel Macron. "We urge all member states to recognize Palestine as a sovereign state," said Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. "It's a necessary step, but it's not enough," said Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, a Palestinian politician and human rights activist. Current Status: The UN General Assembly will hold a special summit on Monday in New York to address the conflict in Gaza. Several countries have announced they will recognize Palestine as a state at Monday's meeting. The international community is expected to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza, with the European Union announcing an additional €100 million in funding. Next Developments: The special summit in New York will bring together representatives from over 150 countries to discuss the crisis in Gaza and potential solutions. The meeting is expected to be a key moment in the international community's efforts to address the conflict. *Reporting by Dw.*