G7 reaffirms commitment to two-state solution in Middle East conflict
On June 14, G7 countries reaffirmed their commitment to resolving the Middle East conflict on the basis of a two-state solution, within the framework of a summit in the Apulia region of southern Italy.
"We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the vision of a two-state solution, in which two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders, in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, and underscore the importance of reunifying the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority," the G7 joint statement said.
The G7 leaders added that "mutual recognition, including recognition of a Palestinian state, at the appropriate time, will be an important element of that political process".
The United Nations General Assembly voted in 1947 to divide British-administered Palestine into Arab and Jewish states, with Jerusalem placed under a special international regime. Partition was scheduled for May 1948, as the British mandate was ending, but only the state of Israel was established. Palestinians seek diplomatic recognition for their independent state in territories in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which is partly occupied by Israel, and the Gaza Strip./.
