Luxembourg Voices Support for Two-State Solution & Urges Immediate Ceasefire

From Monday 28 to Tuesday 29 July 2025, Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel, participated in the high-level international conference on the peaceful resolution of the question of Palestine and the implementation of the two-state solution, held at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

According to Luxembourg’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Cooperation and Foreign Trade, the high-level international conference, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, aimed to concretely revive the process leading to a two-state solution and a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

The conference took place against the backdrop of a dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, marked by unprecedented levels of malnutrition and famine.

The Ministry reported that Minister Bettel participated in the plenary session of the conference, during which he delivered a statement. He also held a bilateral meeting with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, to discuss key ongoing multilateral issues. The minister co-chaired, together with Jordan, a ministerial breakfast in support of UNRWA, which was attended by the Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs. The meeting reaffirmed strong support for UNRWA, which continues to assist Palestinian refugees despite extremely difficult conditions on the ground. Minister Bettel also held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of the State of Palestine, Mohammad Mustafa, as well as separate meetings with the foreign ministers of Colombia, Andorra and San Marino, and with the Deputy Prime Minister of Lebanon.

During these meetings, Minister Bettel reiterated Luxembourg’s position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza; the unacceptable nature of the current humanitarian situation; the importance of ensuring the rapid and unhindered delivery and distribution of humanitarian aid to the entire civilian population of Gaza; respect for international law and international humanitarian law; the release of Israeli hostages; an end to illegal settlements in the West Bank; and the pursuit of a lasting political solution based on the two-state solution as the only path to a just and durable peace, the Ministry noted.

Looking ahead, Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister also exchanged views with his counterparts on their respective positions regarding the recognition of both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel, with the aim of building broader international support for this key element of the two-state solution, the Ministry reported.

In his address to the plenary session, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasised the importance of maintaining strong international attention on the situation in Palestine. He expressed deep concern over the famine and extreme humanitarian hardship in Gaza amid continued Israeli attacks, while reiterating the need for the release of hostages and a cessation of violence against civilians.

Minister Bettel further reiterated that a sustainable political solution based on the two-state model remains the only viable foundation for achieving a just and lasting peace, and long-term security for both Israelis and Palestinians. He welcomed recent efforts and commitments made by the Palestinian Authority, describing them as encouraging and potentially paving the way for Luxembourg to recognise the State of Palestine. Minister Bettel also endorsed the “New York Call” declaration, in which several states affirmed their readiness to recognise Palestinian statehood.

He stated: “The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is currently moving in a positive direction and aims to take this step to recognise the State of Palestine in September.”