Global voices amplified urgent calls for a ceasefire in Gaza as diplomatic efforts ramped up at a high-level UN conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia. With the humanitarian crisis deepening, leaders stressed that ending the violence and easing aid access are non-negotiable steps toward lasting peace.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the gathering as "a rare and indispensable opportunity," urging delegates to "catalyze irreversible progress" toward ending the occupation and achieving a viable two-state solution. France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot announced that Paris is prepared to formally recognize the State of Palestine by September, framing mutual security for Israel and Palestine as the only alternative to further regional conflict.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa added another layer to the discussion by calling on Hamas to relinquish its weapons to Palestinian authorities. He proposed deploying international and regional forces to stabilize Gaza, underscoring the need for a locally led security transition alongside a political settlement.
Meanwhile, in Scotland, US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer united in condemning Gaza's humanitarian toll. Trump challenged remarks by Israeli leaders denying widespread starvation, saying, "Some of those kids are, that's real starvation stuff. I see it, and you can't fake that." Starmer called the situation "absolutely intolerable" and demanded that Israel guarantee "immediate, unhindered, and safe access" for humanitarian aid.
Adding diplomatic pressure from Europe, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof warned on social media that the Netherlands could pursue national measures if Israel fails to uphold its commitments under a recent EU deal to expand aid corridors into Gaza. Schoof signaled readiness for further EU-level or unilateral actions, stressing that "the people in Gaza must have immediate, unhindered, and safe access to humanitarian aid."
As global leaders press for an immediate halt to hostilities and a fresh push for the two-state solution, the world's attention turns to whether diplomatic urgency can translate into concrete steps on the ground—and whether this moment can mark a decisive turning point in a long-standing conflict.
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Global leaders urge ceasefire in Gaza, push for two-state solution
cgtn.com
