In a significant diplomatic development, foreign ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the United States have expressed their unequivocal support for the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state along the 1967 borders. The joint announcement was made during a ministerial meeting held in New York on September 25, co-chaired by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, who currently chairs the GCC Ministerial Council.
The meeting, attended by foreign ministers from the GCC member states and the GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi, focused on the shared objective of regional peace, with a special emphasis on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A statement released following the meeting on Thursday highlighted the ministers’ collective call for a Palestinian state to coexist peacefully alongside Israel, in accordance with the 1967 borders, with mutually agreed-upon land swaps. This proposal aligns with the parameters of the internationally recognized 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which envisions a two-state solution.
The statement issued by the ministers reflects a renewed diplomatic effort to revitalize the long-stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Central to this endeavor is the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state, a cornerstone of the Arab Peace Initiative originally proposed by Saudi Arabia in 2002 and endorsed by the Arab League.
The ministers reaffirmed that the future Palestinian state must be “independent and viable,” ensuring that it is capable of existing peacefully and securely alongside Israel. The call for mutually agreed-upon land swaps offers a pragmatic solution to address territorial disputes, which have long been a major stumbling block in negotiations. These land swaps are envisioned as a means to adjust borders in ways that maintain demographic balance while ensuring territorial contiguity for both states.
The foreign ministers underscored the urgency of achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict, pointing to the October 7 displacement of civilians as a humanitarian crisis that must be addressed. The statement highlighted the necessity for all civilians displaced since that date to return to their homes, emphasizing the need for durable peace to foster regional stability and prosperity.
Focus on Palestinian Governance and Security
A key focus of the discussion was the strengthening of Palestinian governance and security structures. The ministers emphasized the need for unified Palestinian leadership across both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, advocating for a cohesive and legitimate Palestinian Authority (PA) that can effectively govern the entire Palestinian territory. This aligns with ongoing concerns about the internal division between the West Bank, governed by the Palestinian Authority, and the Gaza Strip, controlled by Hamas since 2007.
The joint statement also stressed the importance of ensuring that Palestinians are at the center of post-conflict governance in Gaza. This point reflects growing concerns about the future of Gaza’s administration and the potential for political and security vacuum in the aftermath of hostilities. The ministers expressed a clear commitment to improving the quality of life for Palestinians through humanitarian assistance and initiatives aimed at accelerating economic growth, recognizing that stability in the region cannot be achieved without economic development and sustainable governance structures.
Addressing Violence in the West Bank and Israeli Settlements
The situation in the West Bank, where rising levels of violence have exacerbated tensions between Israeli settlers and Palestinians, was another key area of concern. The ministers voiced their alarm over the increase in settler violence and extremism, which they believe undermines the prospects for peace and further destabilizes the region. The statement called for greater accountability for perpetrators of violence and emphasized that unilateral actions—such as settlement expansions—must be halted immediately.
The issue of Israeli settlements in the West Bank has been a central point of contention in peace talks. Settlement expansions are widely viewed as illegal under international law and are seen as obstacles to the creation of a contiguous Palestinian state. The ministers stressed that a halt to these activities is essential for any meaningful peace negotiations to progress.
Preservation of Holy Sites in Jerusalem
Jerusalem remains a deeply sensitive issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly concerning the status of its holy sites. The ministers reiterated the importance of protecting all places of worship and maintaining the historic status quo at these sites, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of Islam’s holiest sites. In doing so, they acknowledged Jordan’s special custodial role over Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy places, as recognized under international agreements.
This call to preserve the historic status quo comes amid increasing tensions over access to and control of these sites, with clashes between Palestinians and Israeli police becoming more frequent in recent years.
Humanitarian Crisis and Ceasefire in Gaza
The Gaza Strip remains at the center of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region, with severe shortages of food, water, medical supplies, and fuel, compounded by the destruction of infrastructure due to periodic conflicts between Hamas and Israeli forces. In their statement, the foreign ministers committed to working towards an immediate and sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, calling for the release of hostages and detainees held by both sides.
In addition to seeking a ceasefire, the ministers emphasized the urgent need for the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, calling for the rapid and unhindered flow of essential supplies, including food, water, medical care, fuel, and shelter. They highlighted the need for immediate restoration of basic services and urged all parties to ensure the safety of aid workers and humanitarian personnel operating in the region.
The ministers also pointed to the importance of establishing reliable and secure humanitarian distribution networks across Gaza, which would enable aid to reach the most vulnerable populations and help alleviate widespread suffering. These measures are seen as critical to preventing further deterioration of living conditions in Gaza, which have been exacerbated by the ongoing blockade and intermittent conflicts.
Gulf-US Strategic Partnership and Regional Integration
Beyond the immediate focus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the ministerial meeting served as a platform to reaffirm the strategic partnership between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the United States. Both sides emphasized the importance of continuing consultations and cooperation across multiple fields, including political, economic, and security domains.
This commitment to the GCC-US partnership follows in the footsteps of previous ministerial meetings, most notably the one held in Riyadh on April 29, where similar themes of regional security and economic cooperation were discussed. The ongoing collaboration between the GCC and the US is viewed as a key pillar in promoting peace, stability, and economic growth in the broader Middle East.
The ministers also highlighted the need for closer coordination on regional security issues, particularly concerning counterterrorism, energy security, and the stability of global oil markets. As the Gulf states continue to play a critical role in the global energy landscape, their partnership with the US remains crucial to ensuring stability in both energy markets and broader geopolitical contexts.
The renewed push for a Palestinian state along the 1967 borders represents a significant diplomatic development, but it also faces substantial challenges. The peace process has been stalled for years, with intermittent flare-ups of violence and deepening divisions between Israelis and Palestinians.
Among the most pressing challenges is the issue of Israeli settlement expansion, which continues to alter the landscape of the West Bank and complicate efforts to establish a contiguous Palestinian state. While the call for mutually agreed-upon land swaps offers a potential solution, the political feasibility of such arrangements remains uncertain.
Moreover, internal Palestinian divisions, particularly the schism between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, pose an additional hurdle to the creation of a unified Palestinian government. Efforts to bridge this divide will be crucial for the success of any future peace negotiations.
On the international stage, the ministers’ statement reflects a growing consensus among key stakeholders that a two-state solution remains the most viable path to lasting peace. However, the success of these efforts will depend on sustained international pressure, regional cooperation, and the political will of both Israeli and Palestinian leadership.
The ministerial meeting between the GCC and the US on September 25 marked a renewed commitment to the long-standing goal of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By endorsing the establishment of a Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, the ministers signaled their belief that peace is not only possible but essential for a more stable, prosperous Middle East.
As the international community looks to the future, the challenge will be to translate these diplomatic statements into concrete actions that can bring Israelis and Palestinians closer to a durable and just peace. While obstacles remain, the shared commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and humanitarian assistance offers a glimmer of hope for a region that has long been marked by conflict and division.
