Lawmakers issue joint declaration calling for immediate Gaza cease-fire, 2-state solution
Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus (5th from R) poses for a group photo with participants during the 'Group of Parliaments in Support of Palestine' meeting in Istanbul, Türkiye on April 18, 2025. (AA Photo)
The Parliamentary Group Supporting Palestine released a joint declaration Friday, calling on the Israeli parliament to withdraw legislative actions that violate international law and to respect the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
The declaration emphasized the urgent need for a permanent and immediate cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, in order to implement all aspects of the Jan. 15, 2025 cease-fire agreement, and to restart negotiations for a political resolution.
International Parliamentary delegations support 2-state solution
The joint declaration was issued following the group’s first official meeting held in Istanbul, with the participation of parliamentary representatives from Bahrain, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Senegal, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, and vice presidents of national assemblies from Algeria, Azerbaijan, and Egypt.
The delegates reaffirmed their strong commitment to a two-state solution based on the June 4, 1967 borders, calling for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The group declared: “We stress the necessity of a credible, sustainable, and irreversible implementation of the two-state solution… and demand the right of return for Palestinian refugees in accordance with international law, relevant U.N. General Assembly and Security Council resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative.”
Call to end occupation and illegal policies
The declaration condemned Israel’s continued occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip, and demanded an immediate end to annexation, illegal settlements, home demolitions, and land seizures.
“We call on Israel, in its capacity as an occupying power, to end its occupation and all aggressive actions in these areas… and to abandon all policies and practices claiming sovereignty over East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza,” the statement read.
Cease-fire in Gaza and humanitarian access demanded
The group reaffirmed support for the ceasefire brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, and called for full implementation of the Jan. 15 agreement.
“We underline the urgent need for a permanent cease-fire and the resumption of negotiations,” the declaration stated.
The lawmakers also condemned Israel’s military operations against civilians in Gaza and demanded unhindered access for humanitarian aid.
Call for sanctions and legal accountability
The declaration urged the United Nations, especially the Security Council, to fully implement its resolutions and impose additional measures, including sanctions, against illegal Israeli activities such as settlement expansion, home demolitions, and violence against civilians.
It welcomed Egypt’s reconstruction plan, endorsed by the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and called on the international community to support and implement it without delay.
Support for UNRWA and international protection mechanisms
The group rejected any attempt to diminish the role of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and emphasized its political and humanitarian significance. States were urged to increase financial, legal, and political support for the agency.
A call was made for the establishment of a U.N.-led international protection mechanism to safeguard Palestinian civilians and human rights.
Advocacy for full UN membership for Palestine
The declaration reaffirmed support for Palestine’s full U.N. membership, welcomed the May 2024 U.N. General Assembly resolution proposed by the United Arab Emirates on behalf of the Arab Group, and encouraged all states that have not yet recognized Palestine to do so.
It also acknowledged the Tashkent resolution adopted during the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in April 2025, emphasizing the role of parliaments in realizing the two-state solution.
Call for unified parliamentary action
The group committed to including the Palestinian issue in the agenda of regional and international parliamentary assemblies, and invited other parliaments supporting a two-state solution to join the group in future meetings, including those held on the margins of international conferences.
The declaration concluded with an expression of gratitude to the Turkish Parliament for hosting the inaugural session of the Parliamentary Group Supporting Palestine.
